Public transit in Karnataka grinds to a standstill as bus union initiates an ongoing work stoppage
Karnataka Bus Strike Disrupts Public Transport Services
The ongoing bus strike by Karnataka bus unions has caused significant disruption to public transport services across the state. The unions are demanding the payment of 38 months of pending salary arrears and a 25% wage hike, totaling approximately Rs 1,785 crore.
The strike, which began on August 4, 2025, has led to a near-total suspension of KSRTC and BMTC bus services in many regions. Major cities like Bengaluru, Chikkamagaluru, Raichur, Chitradurga, Hubballi, Dharwad, Belagavi, Mangaluru, Mysuru, Tumakuru, Hassan, Madikeri, Shivamogga, and Kalaburagi have seen heavy passenger rush, with thousands stranded and struggling to find alternate ways to reach their destinations.
However, in Bengaluru, the impact was less complete as some employees hesitated due to last-minute government meetings and High Court orders to postpone the strike, leading to confusion and fewer workers joining initially. Approximately 1,000 electric buses operated by private firms continued to run as their drivers were not part of the union strike.
The government maintains its stance that the demands are excessive given the transport corporations' financial difficulties. The Chief Minister and senior officials remain open to further talks but have not met the full demands of the unions.
In response to the strike, the government has issued a circular stating that transportation is an essential service under the Karnataka Essential Services Management Act. The government has also issued warnings for disciplinary action against KSRTC employees participating in the strike.
Despite the Karnataka High Court issuing an interim stay on the strike, the unions have decided to go ahead with their protest. The Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, has appealed to the unions to call off the strike, but union leaders have expressed dissatisfaction with the government's offer to clear only two years of arrears and having got no clear assurance on salary revision.
The workers are demanding payment of 38 months' salaries, wage revision effective January 1, 2024, opposition to privatization, end to worker harassment, and assignment of drivers to electric buses. In rural areas, some buses continued to operate due to a few drivers working for the convenience of students.
KSRTC MD Akram Pasha has issued no work no pay policy circulars. Bus unions in Karnataka, including BMTC, KSRTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC, began an indefinite strike on Tuesday morning.
The strike has affected public bus services across the state, leaving commuters stranded and forcing reliance on private operators, maxicabs, and overcrowded metro services. Private bus operators and cab aggregators have increased their prices due to an increase in demand as a result of the strike.
This remains a developing situation as negotiations and legal proceedings continue.
- The disruption in Karnataka's public transport services has raised concerns about the health and safety of commuters, particularly during this time when sports events and cultural festivals are scheduled across the state.
- The bus strike in Karnataka, affecting various industries like finance, transportation, and tourism, has led to an unexpected surge in the demand for alternate modes of transportation, including private bus operators, cab aggregators, and other forms of transportation, which may impact their financial stability.
