CHANDIGARH, Aug. 14 — Nearly 3,000 buses operated by Punjab’s state-run transport undertakings — PRTC, Punbus and Punjab Roadways — will be grounded after employee unions launched an indefinite strike, raising concerns over major travel disruptions across the state.
The strike follows a breakdown in negotiations with the state government over its plan to float tenders under the kilometre scheme, which would issue bus permits to private operators. The unions have vowed not to resume services until their demands are addressed.
“We want the government to withdraw the tenders and scrap the kilometre scheme for private players,” said Harkesh Kumar, senior vice president of the PRTC, Punbus and Punjab Roadways contract workers’ unions. “The Transport Minister, Laljit Bhullar, has failed to fulfil the assurances given earlier.”
With the suspension of services, no alternative arrangements have been announced, leaving daily commuters, students, and travellers scrambling for options. Union leaders said they had warned the government that the move would cause severe hardship to the public but claimed they were left with “no choice” after repeated requests went unanswered.
Officials confirmed that another round of talks has been scheduled for tomorrow in an effort to break the deadlock. The government is expected to hold discussions directly with union leaders to find a resolution.
The state’s public transport system, which serves thousands of passengers daily, is set to see a complete halt in operations unless an agreement is reached.
