Bengaluru, August 4, 2025 – Commuters in Bengaluru brace for significant disruptions as employees of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) prepare to launch an indefinite strike starting tomorrow, August 5, 2025. The strike, announced by various employee unions, is set to halt public bus services across the city and potentially other parts of Karnataka, leaving thousands of daily commuters stranded.
The primary demands fueling the strike include a long-overdue salary hike, clearance of 38 months of pending arrears, and addressing financial grievances such as unpaid provident fund contributions and dearness allowances for retired employees. Union leaders have expressed frustration over the state government's inaction on these issues, accusing it of neglecting the welfare of transport workers.
In response, the Karnataka government has taken a firm stance, invoking the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) to prohibit strikes by KSRTC and BMTC employees until December 31, 2025. Authorities have warned of strict disciplinary action against workers participating in the strike, citing the critical role of public transport in maintaining the city's functionality. To mitigate the impact on commuters, the government has arranged for 40% of private buses to operate as an alternative, though this may not fully compensate for the anticipated shortfall in services.
While no official statement from KSRTC or BMTC confirms a complete suspension of bus operations, sources indicate that services will likely be severely reduced, with only a fraction of buses running. Commuters are advised to plan alternative travel arrangements, such as carpooling, metro services, or private cabs, to navigate the city during the strike.
Residents and daily wage workers, who heavily rely on affordable public transport, expressed concern over the impending disruptions. "I depend on BMTC buses to get to work. If they stop, I don’t know how I’ll manage," said Priya M., a domestic worker in Koramangala.
The strike has sparked debates about balancing employee rights with public convenience. Transport unions argue that their demands are justified given years of financial neglect, while the government insists that invoking ESMA is necessary to prevent chaos in Bengaluru, a city already grappling with traffic congestion.
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