Published Jul 07, 2025 | 10:27 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 07, 2025 | 10:28 PM
Coalition leaders warned of indefinite strike if their demands are unmet.
Private bus services in Kerala will stay off the roads on Tuesday after talks between the Bus Owners’ Joint Committee and the Transport Department failed.
The committee, a coalition of bus owners’ associations, has called the strike, raising multiple demands.
The key issues include timely renewal of permits – especially for buses covering over 140 km – an increase in student fares, a foolproof system for distributing concession cards, withdrawal of excessive e-challan fines, scrapping of mandatory police clearance certificates for employees, and halting the imposition of costly electronic devices.
Committee leaders warned that if no resolution emerges within a week, they would launch an indefinite strike from 22 July.
They also alleged that the government’s inaction has led to job losses in the sector and further financial strain on operators.
The committee expressed hope that the government would intervene before the situation worsens.
The committee made clear that the protest on Tuesday is a token protest and an indefinite protest will be launched from 22 July.
