Punjab Transport Workers Stage Republic Day Protests, Paralyze Bus Operations
Contractual employees of the Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC), Punjab Roadways, and Punbus organized significant two-hour gate rallies across all 27 depots in Punjab on Republic Day. These coordinated protests severely disrupted bus services throughout the state, creating substantial inconvenience for passengers traveling during the national holiday.
Symbolic 'Black Day' Observance and Escalating Tensions
The demonstrations were coordinated by the Punjab Roadways, Punbus and PRTC Contract Workers' Union (25/11), which deliberately observed Republic Day as a symbolic 'Black Day' to highlight their grievances. Protesters visibly wore black badges while raising forceful slogans against the state government. They accused the administration of "stifling democratic dissent" and failing to fulfill numerous pre-election promises made to transport workers.
Union representatives clarified that these gate rallies represent a deliberate escalation in their ongoing confrontation with the AAP-led state government. The protests form part of a broader strategy to intensify pressure on authorities to address long-standing demands.
Core Demands: Regularization, Prisoner Release, and Policy Opposition
The union presented multiple critical demands during the protests:
- Immediate release of 10 union leaders who have been in judicial custody for 60 days following a previous agitation in 2025.
- Complete opposition to the 'kilometre scheme', which they describe as the government's private bus-leasing policy representing a "backdoor attempt at privatization." They argue this policy directly threatens the job security of over 8,000 contractual staff members.
- Urgent regularization of services for thousands of employees who continue working under the contract system without permanent employment benefits, despite repeated government assurances.
Union leaders further alleged serious financial mismanagement within the transport corporations, claiming the government owes nearly Rs 1,200 crore in pending free-travel concessions. This outstanding amount has reportedly led to consistent delays in salary payments and a critical shortage of spare parts for the ageing bus fleet.
Worker Sentiments and Government Engagement
"It is Republic Day, yet we do not feel the freedom to demand our basic rights. Our colleagues are languishing in jail for protesting against policies that favor private players over the common man," stated Harkesh Kumar Vicky, a state-level union leader, during a rally at the Patiala depot. His comments captured the frustration and determination among protesting workers.
Vicky confirmed that a crucial meeting between union leaders and state government representatives has been scheduled for Wednesday to discuss these demands. The outcome of this meeting will determine the union's future course of action, with more aggressive protests likely if negotiations fail.
Widespread Disruption and Future Agitation Plans
The rallies, typically held from 11 AM to 1 PM, effectively paralyzed bus operations across Punjab. Holiday travelers found themselves stranded at major terminals including Patiala, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar. Even after the formal protests concluded, bus services remained sparse as many workers abstained from duty in solidarity with their imprisoned colleagues.
The union has declared these gate rallies merely the beginning of a larger offensive. Following a strategic meeting in Ludhiana, union officials announced a strict schedule for future agitations, indicating that transport disruptions may continue or intensify unless their demands receive satisfactory attention from the state administration.
