Public transport in Punjab has come to a near standstill as employees of Punjab Roadways and PRTC (Pepsu Road Transport Corporation) launched a three-day strike starting midnight of Tuesday, demanding regularization of contract workers, salary hikes, and pending recruitments. With over 3,000 government-run buses going off the roads, thousands of passengers are stranded across the state and major inter-state routes.
The strike, which will continue till July 11, is being spearheaded by the Contract Employees Union of Punjab Roadways and PRTC, and has already created massive disruptions on routes connecting Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan.
Thousands of Buses Halted, Commuters Hit Hard
The strike began sharply at 12 AM on July 9, but disruptions started hours earlier as long-distance services were suspended in anticipation of the protest. From major depots like Ludhiana, Patiala, Jalandhar, and Bathinda, only a few buses operated — mostly driven by permanent staff who have not joined the strike.
While some government buses continued to run on select short-distance routes, the overall availability dropped drastically, leaving passengers with no choice but to depend on private operators, Haryana Roadways, and Himachal Transport.
At major bus terminals across Punjab, long queues of frustrated passengers were seen waiting with luggage, hoping for alternative travel options. Many reported paying double the normal fare to private operators amid high demand and low supply.
Union’s Demands: Regularization, Pay Hike, and New Recruitment
The union leaders claim that their strike is the result of the government’s continued apathy towards contractual employees. The key demands include:
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Regularization of contract-based employees working for years
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Hike in wages to match inflation and parity with regular staff
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Immediate recruitment to fill vacant positions in bus services
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Restoration of employee welfare policies and proper duty allocations
Union spokespersons from PRTC’s Depot 1 and Depot 2 units addressed press conferences and alleged that the current AAP-led Punjab government is neglecting its commitments. “Despite multiple meetings, written assurances, and deadlines, none of our issues have been addressed seriously. The strike is our last resort,” said a union representative.
Warning: Protests in Chandigarh If Demands Ignored
The protesting employees have announced that if the government does not take immediate action, they will escalate their agitation. A major protest rally in Chandigarh has been scheduled for July 10, where the union plans to gherao the houses of Punjab cabinet ministers.
“We will not call off the strike unless the government opens official talks and gives a written commitment on timelines for our demands,” said another senior leader during a protest held outside Patiala Bus Depot.
This announcement has further alarmed the administration as Chandigarh witnesses heavy movement of state-level bureaucrats and political leadership.
Impact on Inter-State Connectivity
The strike has paralyzed public transport to and from Punjab, especially routes linking Delhi, Haryana, Himachal, and Uttarakhand. With school and college reopenings post-summer break and an ongoing festive tourist season in the hills, the timing of the strike has hit commuters especially hard.
Travelers bound for Delhi ISBT, Shimla, Haridwar, Jaipur, and Chandigarh reported hours of waiting, unconfirmed ticket statuses, and unavailability of online bookings for state-run buses.
Private transport operators have taken advantage of the situation by charging surge fares, while ride-share apps and taxis have also become scarce, particularly in cities like Amritsar and Ludhiana.
What the Government Says
As of now, the Punjab Government has not issued any formal response to the union’s demands. However, sources within the Transport Department indicated that internal discussions are ongoing, and a dialogue may be initiated before July 11 to prevent further escalation.
Transport officials said that some emergency services and limited routes are being maintained using permanent staff and police escort in sensitive zones. Still, a complete restoration of services is unlikely before the strike ends.
Commuters React with Anger and Frustration
“I had to reach Delhi for a medical appointment, and no buses are available since last night. Private cabs are asking for ₹5,000, which I cannot afford,” said Harbhajan Singh, a resident of Hoshiarpur, stuck at the Jalandhar Bus Stand.
Another commuter, Simran Kaur from Bathinda, who was en route to Chandigarh for a university exam, said: “This strike could have been avoided if the government had acted earlier. It’s unfair that we passengers are the ones suffering.”
Conclusion: A Crisis in Public Transport Management
The ongoing strike reflects not just employee dissatisfaction but also deep-rooted structural issues in Punjab’s public transport governance. The reliance on contractual manpower, poor wage structures, and lack of permanent hiring have all contributed to a fragile system.
Unless the government intervenes swiftly and opens meaningful negotiations, the situation may worsen, especially if protests spread to Chandigarh or involve other worker unions.
The clock is ticking, and over 3,000 buses parked in depots stand as a loud reminder of what happens when administrative silence meets collective frustration.
