Patiala/Hoshiarpur, November 29, 2025 – The ongoing strike by contractual employees of state-run bus services in Punjab intensified on Saturday, with protesters condemning the detention of union leaders and demanding their immediate release. The agitation, sparked by the opening of tenders under the kilometre-based bus scheme, has disrupted public transport in several parts of the state and escalated tensions between employees and authorities.

Protests and Detentions

The strike, now in its second day, began on Friday when employees of Punjab Roadways, Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC), and Punjab State Bus Stand Management Company Limited opposed the kilometre-based bus scheme, alleging that it is a “backdoor attempt” to privatize routes traditionally operated by government buses.

Senior Vice President of the PUNBUS Contract Workers Union in Hoshiarpur, Sandeep Singh, stated that four union leaders remain detained by police: state committee member Kulwant Singh, district president Raminder Singh, secretary Narinder Singh, and cashier Dharminder Singh.

Singh emphasized that the dharnas and strike would continue until the detained leaders were released, the kilometre-based tenders cancelled, and contractual employees regularized. “In the last four years, the government has not provided even a single new bus to Punjab Roadways. Over 500 old buses have gone off the road, and those still running face major repair issues. The department does not have funds even for tyres and essential repairs,” he claimed.

Escalation Across Punjab

Protests erupted across multiple districts, with employees clashing with police personnel in several locations. In Sangrur, some workers climbed atop buses and allegedly splashed petrol on police officers, resulting in the Dhuri Station House Officer sustaining burn injuries after his uniform caught fire. A video of the incident circulated widely on social media, drawing attention to the intensity of the protests.

In Ludhiana, demonstrators condemned police action and reiterated their demand for the release of detained union leaders. “The government should accept our demand and release employees who have been detained,” a protester stated, highlighting widespread dissatisfaction among workers.

The union and striking employees argue that the kilometre-based bus policy favors private contractors and threatens the livelihood of thousands of state-run transport employees. Leaders of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, including Sarwan Singh Pandher, have expressed solidarity with the striking workers and criticized the state government for implementing a policy that could undermine the public transport sector.

Impact on Commuters

With government buses off the roads, commuters across Punjab have faced severe inconvenience. Many passengers, particularly women who typically avail free travel on state-run buses, were forced to pay for private bus services amid the strike.

The disruption affected routine travel and daily commuting, leaving residents to rely heavily on private operators who were operating under increased demand. Many citizens expressed frustration at the lack of state-run transport services and urged the government to intervene and resolve the standoff.

Union Demands

Contractual employees have outlined clear demands:

1. Immediate release of all detained union leaders.
2. Cancellation of the kilometre-based tendering process, which they claim endangers state-run transport operations.
3. Regularization of contractual employees to secure their jobs and benefits.

The union leaders emphasized that they would continue the dharnas and strike until these demands are addressed.

Government Response and Next Steps

As of Saturday, the Punjab government has not issued a public response addressing the specific demands of the striking employees or the detentions. Authorities have maintained a presence at key transport hubs to prevent further escalation and to maintain law and order amid ongoing protests.

Union leaders and workers have indicated that the strike may continue beyond the second day unless the government engages in dialogue and takes concrete steps to address the issues raised, particularly the detention of leaders and the future of the kilometre-based scheme.

Context: State Transport Sector Challenges

Punjab’s state transport system has faced long-standing challenges, including:

• Aging fleet with over 500 buses decommissioned in recent years.
• Insufficient funds for routine maintenance and repairs, including tyres and essential parts.
• Rising operational costs amid competition from private bus operators.

The current agitation underscores the tension between government plans to modernize and privatize certain routes and the employees’ concerns over job security and working conditions.

Conclusion

The Punjab bus strike has highlighted the fragility of public transport services and the tensions arising from proposed privatization measures. With union leaders still in detention and employees determined to continue their protest, commuters and authorities are bracing for further disruption. The standoff reflects broader debates on labor rights, privatization, and the sustainability of state-run transport services in India.

The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the government engages meaningfully with employees and union leaders to resolve the strike or if disruptions to public transport continue across the state.