Commuters wait for autorickshaws and buses that are few in number due to the civic polls. Picture by Manik Bose

Ranchi, March 24: Office-goers are stranded and schoolchildren appearing for board examinations have to set out well in advance — with only one day to go for the civic elections, all is not smooth.

The administration has seized buses, trekkers and diesel autorickshaws for election duty, leaving commuters with little choice. While most vehicles have either been seized from the road or from parking stands, many owners have refrained from plying their vehicles.

The sudden fall in the number of commercial vehicles has left commuters with no alternative means of transport. Those taking long distance routes were better off than those who come from around 40-50km to the state capital.

Labourers commuting from Bundu, Tamar, Ramgarh were worst-affected as they had no option but to hike to the city till buses were available or till they managed to buy a ride in one of the Ranchi-bound trucks.

Samita Bagchi, a Class XII examinee, said with autos off the road she had come to her exam centre well in advance with her elder brother. Unlike other days, when there is plenty of time for last minute revision, Samita did not get any time today.

“My brother will have to take a break from office again and drop me back home which will be very inconvenient,” she said.

The few autos plying on the roads have also hiked their fare. Shekhar Sinha, a resident of Dhurwa, said the general fare from Main Road to Dhurwa was Rs 5 while today he had to shell out Rs 10 for the same distance.

“There is no other option but to comply with the demands of the auto drivers. And many are also ready to pay the increased amount,” Sinha said.

Arun Kumar Buddhia, a member of the Bus Owners’ Association of Ranchi, said the administration has increased the rate of compensation for larger buses, which is quite competitive.

However, the owners of smaller buses, trekkers and autorickshaws would be adversely affected.