August 6 Transport Strike: Will KSRTC, BMTC Buses Hit the Roads Tomorrow? Day 1 of Strike Begins

Commuters in Karnataka are facing major disruption today, August 5, 2025, as employees of the state-owned transport corporations - KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC - have launched an indefinite strike. The protest comes after talks with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy failed to resolve long-standing demands, particularly 38 months of unpaid salary arrears and a wage hike effective from January 1, 2024.

Despite a final round of discussions on Monday, the meeting ended without resolution. Union leaders rejected the government's offer to clear only two years of arrears, insisting on full payment and a confirmed salary revision timeline.

Speaking to ANI, a passenger said, "We have our reservations already... No official here is properly responding... They are not even telling us if our bus has been cancelled. We have no clarity... My journey is very essential. I have to go. I cannot even look for a flight or train at the last moment. Even the private buses are all full. I am totally held up, unable to do anything. It's a mess here..."

Private Transport and App-Based Services to Operate

While government bus services remain suspended across the state, private bus operators, cabs, and autos will function normally. The Transport Department has partnered with private operators to ensure minimal disruption and maintain essential services.

App-based cabs like Ola, Uber, and Rapido will continue to operate in Bengaluru and other cities.

Bike taxis, however, remain banned under the government's previous order.

Auto-rickshaws, both general and app-based, will also be available for commuters.

Why Are Karnataka Transport Workers on Strike?

KSRTC Staff and Workers' Federation president H.V. Anantha Subbarao said the primary issues include:

Payment of 38 months' salary arrears

Implementation of salary hikes from January 1, 2024

"The CM offered to clear only two years' arrears and asked us to give up the rest. We did not agree. We are firm on 38 months of arrears," Subbarao said, adding that no official commitment was made on the proposed salary hike. He confirmed that KSRTC and BMTC staff will not return to work until demands are met.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urged workers to reconsider their strike, highlighting the government's commitment to dialogue:

"Several rounds of meetings have been held. These issues can be resolved through mutual discussion," he said.

He also blamed the previous BJP-led government for not revising wages in 2020, citing the COVID-19 pandemic.

Siddaramaiah stated:

"In 2016, we gave a 12.5% salary hike. In 2013, transport corporations had a ₹4,000 crore debt. By 2018, it was brought down to ₹14 crore. Today, no corporation is in profit, but the government will not act unjustly."

Karnataka High Court Expresses Concern Over Strike
On Monday, the Karnataka High Court urged transport unions to postpone their strike by a day to allow for further discussion. A Division Bench observed delays in wage revisions and voiced concern over the working conditions of drivers and conductors.

The court was informed that the Joint Action Committee (JAC) - representing employees from all four state transport corporations - had called for the strike while conciliation proceedings were still underway, making the legality of the protest questionable.

What Commuters Can Expect During the Strike

KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC buses will not operate

Private buses, taxis, and autos will function normally

App-based cabs and autos (except bike taxis) will serve commuters

Increased wait times and surge pricing are expected in urban areas like Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, and Hubballi

How Long Will the Karnataka Transport Strike Last?

With no resolution in sight, the Karnataka transport strike threatens to paralyse public mobility for an extended period. The government is trying to ensure essential connectivity via private operators, but the absence of state-run buses is being felt across Karnataka. As both sides hold firm, public inconvenience is set to worsen unless talks resume with a meaningful breakthrough.