Private bus strike announcement in Kerala
People traveling by private bus in Kerala on Tuesday (July 8) may have to face trouble. The Joint Committee of Bus Owner Association has announced the strike here. The committee has warned the government that if there is no solution to their problems within a week, then all the owners will go on indefinite strike.
Members of the Joint Committee of Bus Owners’ associations interacted with the Transport Commissioner. There was no solution in this conversation. The strike has been announced after the negotiations failed and an indefinite strike has been warned if the solution is not found.
Why the bus operator went on strike?
Bus operators are protesting against several demands. These demands also include withdrawing several rules, which have been created by the government to make the journey safe and convenient, but the owners are having trouble following those rules. These include timely renewal of permits, increase in student concessional fare, withdrawing the requirement of compulsory police approval for workers, abolishing excessive fines imposed through e-challan system, making the installation of expensive electronic equipment mandatory. Committee leaders said that if there is no solution through further interaction within a week, they will turn their movement into an indefinite strike.
Bus operators are angry at these issues
Compulsion of Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): The Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) implemented a rule in May 2025, under which a police clearance certificate is mandatory for the crew (driver, conductor, cleaner) of private buses. This rule has been affected by the bus industry, which employs about 40,000 people. Operators and trade unions allege that PCC is also being forbidden on the basis of small cases, such as family disputes or participation in trade union demonstrations. This is hindering the appointment of employees and bus operations.
Permit and distance limit: Private bus operators say that the government is obstructing the permit renewal for services of more than 140 km. The Kerala High Court recently quashed the distance ban on private buses by the government, which the operator considered the Motor Vehicles Act and the Kerala motor vehicle rules violate. The decision was a shock to the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), as it allowed private buses to resume long distance services.
Salary and Facilities: Private bus operators have sought to implement the minimum wage for drivers and conductors, which is currently applicable to KSRTC employees. In addition, they want employees to be given seven hours of duty and other facilities.
Cut off rent for students: Operators have demanded that concessional fare should be reviewed for students, as it affects their income. In some places, such as in Kasargod, private buses avoid boarding the bus due to concessional fare.
Bus operator union allegations
Bus operators allege that the Transport Minister is trying to destroy the private bus industry. Some operators say that KSRTC is allowed to operate old buses and facilities such as TV, while strict rules are implemented on private buses. In addition, private buses at some places violate the rules and are available in less number than government buses.
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