A strike by contract employees of Punbus grounded more than 90 state-run buses in Ludhiana district on Tuesday, leaving hundreds of commuters stranded in the scorching heat. The disruption disproportionately impacted women, who widely utilise Punjab's free transit policy for female passengers and chose to wait for long hours rather than pay for private transport.
Strike Over Kilometre Scheme and Arrested Colleagues
Bus union vice-president Sukhwinder Singh stated that the agitation targeted the government's 'kilometre scheme' and demanded the release of previously arrested colleagues. While Pepsu Road Transport Corporation vehicles remained operational, the broad reduction in fleet frequency forced long transit delays for travellers bound for regional hubs like Amritsar and Jagraon.
Impact on Commuters
Hundreds of passengers, especially women, were seen waiting at bus stands for hours. Many opted to wait rather than pay for private transport, citing the state's free bus travel policy for women. The reduced fleet caused overcrowding and delays, affecting daily commuters and those traveling to nearby cities.
Negotiations and Resolution
The widespread disruption concluded by evening after the bus union held successful negotiations with government officials in Chandigarh. Following assurances regarding job regularisation and policy concessions, the union officially postponed the strike, ensuring that normal regional bus operations would resume fully the following morning.
The strike highlights ongoing tensions between contract employees and the state government over working conditions and policy implementation. Commuters expressed relief as services returned to normal, but concerns remain over the sustainability of the free transit policy and the treatment of contract workers.
