Commuter Chaos: Bus services disrupted in Punjab as PRTC, Punbus contractual workers stage strike

The protest was pre-announced by the contractual workers of PRTC and Punbus. Last week, the PRTC contractual workers protested against the hiring of over 200 private buses under the kilometer scheme. Although the initial protest was lifted, the workers decided to continue their agitation over this matter and other concerns, resulting in the shutdown of 27 bus depots across the state on Tuesday.

Consequently, buses operated by PRTC and Punbus were confined to the depots as contractual workers arrived early in the morning and locked the premises' gates from as early as 4 am. Regular employees were only able to operate a small percentage of buses, while the majority remained halted.

Commuters at the Patiala bus stand had to leave the premises due to the absence of buses to transport them.

Harkesh Vicky, a contractual worker of PRTC, expressed disappointment with the administration's failure to meet their demands. These demands include regularising contractual workers, increasing wages for low-paid workers, canceling tenders for private bus hiring, rehiring laid-off employees, and fulfilling previous agreements made during meetings. In protest, the workers decided to shut down 27 depots of PRTC and Punbus throughout the state.

The workers are scheduled to meet with officials from the state transport department to discuss their grievances.