Breaking: Punjab bus operators end strike after three days
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, August 16, 2025 –
Director Transport Rajeev Gupta on Saturday confirmed that the ongoing strike by bus operators in Punjab has been called off, bringing relief to thousands of commuters.
For the past three days, nearly 3,000 buses operated by the PRTC, Punbus, and Punjab Roadways had remained off the roads, leaving passengers stranded across the state. The strike was led by contractual employees of the state-run transport undertakings, who were demanding regularisation of jobs, abolition of the contractor system, cancellation of tenders under the kilometre scheme, salary hikes, and procurement of new buses.
A crucial meeting was held on August 15 with Punjab Chief Secretary, during which it was decided that:
- The demands for regularising contractual employees, removing contractors, increasing salaries, and inducting new buses will be addressed through a special committee.
- The committee will include officials from the Finance and Personnel Departments.
- Meetings will continue, with the next session scheduled under the chairmanship of the Transport Minister on August 19, and a panel meeting with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann fixed for August 26 to finalise and implement the policy.
The government has assured the unions that all agreed demands will be implemented, including the formulation of service rules, resolution of contractor-related issues, review of kilometre scheme buses, modification of conditions, and reinstatement of contract employees. Timelines of up to three weeks have been set for certain pending demands.
Union leaders said the strike has been postponed based on firm assurances of policy implementation and fulfilment of major demands. However, they warned that if any employee faces harassment, termination, or obstruction in rejoining duty, the union will immediately respond with a statewide protest and shutdown.
With the strike now withdrawn, normal bus operations are expected to resume from Sunday, restoring public transport services across Punjab.