Bengaluru Chalo: Karnataka Bus Strike Today Disruptions Likely Across State

Commuters across Karnataka are likely to face transport disruptions today as employees of state-run transport corporations stage a massive protest titled ‘Bengaluru Chalo’ at Freedom Park in Bengaluru.

The protest, led by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of transport workers’ unions and the All Karnataka State Road Transport Employees’ Federation, began at 10 am and will continue until 4 pm, which has been set as the deadline for the government to respond to their demands.

Around 10,000 to 15,000 employees from across the state are expected to participate.

Which Transport Corporations Are Involved?

Employees from the following state-run corporations are participating in the protest:

• Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC)
• Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC)
• North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC)
• Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC)

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Union leaders have warned that if the government fails to respond positively by 4 pm today, a complete shutdown of bus services from February 20 could be announced.

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What Are the Main Demands?

The dispute revolves around two key issues:

• Transport employees are demanding payment of 38 months of pending arrears. The government has agreed to clear only 26 months, which the unions have rejected.
• The second issue is the wage revision date. Employees want the revised salary to be implemented from January 1, 2024. The government has proposed April 2025 as the effective date, which unions have refused to accept.

Apart from these, workers are also seeking immediate completion of the salary revision process and improvements in working conditions and basic facilities.

What Have Union Leaders Said?

Speaking about this, All Karnataka State Road Transport Employees’ Federation President D.A. Vijayabhaskar said, “These problems have not been resolved for two years. Despite continuous talks, we have not received any positive response from the government. Therefore, we have no other option but to protest.”

They have stated that if there is no positive response by 4 pm today, further action, including a possible shutdown of bus services from February 20, will be announced.

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Government’s Response

KSRTC Managing Director Akram Pasha has instructed employees to report to work, warning of strict disciplinary action against absentees.

He stated that:

• Unit-wise lists of absent employees will be prepared
• “No work, no pay” principle will be enforced
• Salary deductions and disciplinary action may follow

Senior transport department officials are reportedly working on alternative arrangements to minimise inconvenience to the public.

Impact on Commuters

If a large number of employees participate in the protest, bus services may be affected across the state.

In rural areas, buses connecting villages to taluk centres may be reduced. In Bengaluru, BMTC services for office-goers and students could see shortages.

Intercity services operated by KSRTC and other corporations may also face delays or schedule changes.

With public examinations approaching, students are likely to be particularly affected. Passengers are advised to check with bus enquiry centres and plan their travel.

Further clarity is expected after the unions address the media at 4 pm.