Initial reports from different centres said private buses, trucks, taxis and autos are largely keeping off the roads in most places, affecting the mobility of people.
The unions in the state-run KSRTC have not joined the strike and it maintained services as usual.
Private vehicles are plying without any hitch.
Police said no violence had been reported from anywhere.
University examinations scheduled for the day have been postponed in view of the strike. Essential services like ambulances, milk supply and media have been exempted from the strike.
