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Chandigarh: In a major relief for commuters across Punjab, contract workers of Punjab Roadways and the Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) called off their strike on the second day after Transport Department officials reached a compromise with representatives of the Contractual Employees’ Union during the second round of talks. Union leaders said drivers had begun returning to duty and the entire fleet would be fully operational by Friday morning.

The strike had severely disrupted passenger transport services for two days, with nearly 8,000 workers from 27 depots across the state staying away from work. The situation was further compounded by the ‘Bharat Bandh’ called by farmers’ organisations, trade unions and bank unions against the India–US trade deal and labour law reforms, leading to road blockades and traffic disruptions in several districts, particularly in and around Patiala.

PRTC Contractual Employees’ Union vice-president Harkesh Vicky said the agitation was suspended after authorities agreed to reinstate employees terminated in November. He added that the 10 workers arrested in December and currently in jail would be released at the earliest, as part of the understanding. “We are keeping a close watch. If the assurances are not implemented, we will resume the strike,” Vicky said.

With bus operations set to normalise, transport officials expressed hope that regular services would stabilise quickly, easing pressure on commuters who had been forced to rely on private vehicles and limited alternatives during the disruption.