Kochi: With normal life hit due to the indefinite private bus strike, the Kerala Government today warned of action against its owners.

The worst hit were rural areas where private buses played a key role in transporting people to their destinations.

Cities like Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur and Kozhikkode had the benefit of new generation taxis and autos operated by Ola and others. Autorickshaws were helping people a lot in these cities due to flawless metre-operated fare system.

Though the same was not available for Kochiites, they had some respite due to Kochi Metro rail service and Road Transport Corporation buses operated meticulously and no one was allowed to take leave unless very urgent.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister AK Saseendran warned bus owners with serious consequences if they prolonged the stir which entered fourth day today.

The Government had no plans to go for a war with the bus owners, he said, adding that the government was in no mood to increase the fare for students. There were differences within the leaders of unions of bus operators with one section willing to call off the stir.