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Chandigarh: Nearly 3,000 buses of state-run undertakings — PRTC, Punbus, and Punjab Roadways — will remain off the roads tomorrow, with employees’ unions announcing an indefinite strike. The move is expected to cause significant inconvenience to commuters, as the state government has not arranged alternative transport.

The strike follows a deadlock between the unions and the state government over the kilometre scheme, under which tenders for bus permits are being floated to private operators. Union leaders have demanded that the tenders be scrapped, alleging the policy undermines the state’s public transport network.
Punjab Bus Services to Remain Shut as Unions Launch Indefinite Strike

Chandigarh, August 13 — Nearly 3,000 buses of state-run undertakings — PRTC, Punbus, and Punjab Roadways — will remain off the roads tomorrow, with employees’ unions announcing an indefinite strike. The move is expected to cause significant inconvenience to commuters, as the state government has not arranged alternative transport.

The strike follows a deadlock between the unions and the state government over the kilometre scheme, under which tenders for bus permits are being floated to private operators. Union leaders have demanded that the tenders be scrapped, alleging the policy undermines the state’s public transport network.

Harkesh Kumar, senior vice-president of the PRTC, Punbus, and Punjab Roadways contract workers’ unions, accused Transport Minister Laljit Bhullar of failing to honour commitments made to employees. “Our demands remain unfulfilled. We will continue our strike until the kilometre scheme tenders are withdrawn,” he said.

The government has invited union representatives for another round of talks tomorrow to resolve the standoff, but no breakthrough has been achieved so far. Harkesh Kumar, senior vice-president of the PRTC, Punbus, and Punjab Roadways contract workers’ unions, accused Transport Minister Laljit Bhullar of failing to honour commitments made to employees. “Our demands remain unfulfilled. We will continue our strike until the kilometre scheme tenders are withdrawn,” he said. The government has invited union representatives for another round of talks tomorrow to resolve the standoff, but no breakthrough has been achieved so far.