LUDHIANA, PUNJAB — The transport sector in Punjab is bracing for a major shutdown as the Punjab Roadways, Punbus, and PRTC Contract Workers Union has announced a three-day state-wide strike scheduled for May 25, 26, and 27, 2026. The move follows months of escalating tensions between the union and the state government over issues of privatization, labour rights, and the status of contractual employees.
Protest Intensifies Across the State
On November 25, the union held a two-hour protest at bus stands across the state, signalling a return to militant agitation. Union leaders, including Depot President Jatinder Singh Soni and State Leader Gurbaz Singh, addressed supporters in Ludhiana, launching a scathing critique of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s performance over the last four years.
“The government has failed to add a single new government-owned bus to the fleet in four years,” stated Gurbaz Singh. “Instead, they are aggressively pushing for the privatization of public transport through the ‘Kilometre Scheme,’ which prioritizes private operators over our own workers.”
Core Grievances
The union’s grievances centre on three primary pillars of conflict:
-
Detention of Workers: Union leaders allege that the government has resorted to “illegal tactics,” including the imposition of severe criminal charges—such as Section 307 (attempted murder)—against employees who peacefully protested against the Kilometre Scheme. They report that several colleagues have been imprisoned for six months.
-
Privatization Concerns: Workers argue that the Kilometre Scheme is a strategic move to dismantle state-run transport. They claim the government is exploiting the workforce by introducing “special cadre” policies that could potentially delay regularization for up to 58 years.
-
Operational Instability: The union highlights a critical lack of funding. According to the leadership, the government’s failure to provide timely reimbursement for the “free travel” scheme has resulted in severe liquidity crunches, leading to delayed salaries and a shortage of spare parts for bus maintenance.
The Looming “Chakka Jam”
Following a failed agreement on May 18, the union has escalated its stance. If the government does not meet their demands—most notably the release of jailed comrades and the reversal of privatization policies—the union has pledged to launch a full-scale “Chakka Jam” (complete transport strike) for three days starting May 25.
State Secretary Shamsher Singh warned that the union is also prepared to stage an indefinite protest outside the residence of the Chief Minister of Punjab. “The government is suppressing the constitutional right to dissent,” Singh said. “If our colleagues are not released and our demands are not met, the administration will bear full responsibility for the total paralysis of the state’s transport network.”
Public Impact
The looming strike poses a significant challenge for daily commuters. As PRTC and Punbus serve as the backbone of public transit for thousands of students, daily wage earners, and rural residents in Punjab, a three-day suspension of services is expected to cause widespread disruption.
Travelers are strongly advised to monitor local reports as the deadline for the strike approaches. As of now, the state government has yet to issue a formal response to the ultimatum.
Leave a Reply