Hyderabad, July 06: Those working in the IT industry in the city had a tough time on Tuesday as the T-bandh brought public transport to a halt and those who drive to work stayed off the roads fearing attacks by the bandh supporters. A few incidents of techies being stopped by agitators in the Malkajgiri area were reported in the morning on Tuesday. Nearly 40 per cent of the smaller companies (mostly smaller firms) remained shut on Tuesday and those working in IT companies that had remained open had a tough time getting to work as taxis and autorickshaws were hard to come by.
“It is very difficult for us to get an autorickshaw on such days. There are very few autorickshaws on the roads and most are not willing to travel to different parts of the city. I am worried about going back home in the evening,” said Ms Preethi Y., a senior process associate with TCS. “There were a few incidents wherein IT professionals were stopped by bandh supporters but the police managed to rescue them. Also, security arrangements were made at the entrance and inside the campuses of the IT hub,” said Mr T. Krishnaprasad, the inspector-general of police and nodal officer for security to the IT industry.
While the police has made additional security arrangements for the two days of the bandh and have ensured perimeter patrolling at the IT hub, professionals who have to travel from far-flung areas like Malkajhgiri, Bowenpally and Ameerpet are worried as the increased security will only be restricted to the IT hub. “It is very difficult to commute on such days especially for professionals who are not locals. Our regular cab service is not available today, there are no buses and moreover the few autorickshaws that are operating are charging double rates,” said Mr Savan Mishra, another IT professional.
However, as elaborate security arrangements were made at the IT hub, professionals who are staying within the hub felt that the bandh had little impact on them. “We generally walk down to our office as we live nearby. We are protected within the campus,” said Mr Abhishek Arora, an associate analyst.