KSRTC Strike Sparks Statewide Disruption; Bus Services Halted, Bengaluru, Hubballi Worst Affected

The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) employees has launched an indefinite strike from 6 AM on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, after talks with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah failed to resolve their demands. The strike has severely disrupted bus services across the state, leaving thousands of commuters stranded, especially in regions like Bengaluru, Hubbali.

The protest stems from a 12-point charter of demands, prominently including the settlement of 38 months of unpaid salary arrears and a 15% salary hike. The strike began gaining momentum by Monday evening.

Security heightened as transport workers of all the four road transport corporations in the state (KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC) decided to go on a statewide strike from today to press for their various demands.

Speaking to ANI, a passenger said, "We are here for the last one hour... We still don't know whether the bus will even come or not... It has caused a lot of inconvenience because it has not been planned well. No other options have been given for all the passengers who had booked tickets well in advance. Even the officials here are clueless..."

Karnataka High Court Asked to Postpone KSRTC Strike

On Monday, the Karnataka High Court directed the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Road Transport Corporation Workers' Union to defer the strike until Tuesday, August 5. Following this, KSRTC Managing Director Akram Pasha urged employees to comply with the court order and refrain from participating in the strike.

However, Ananth Subbarao, head of the JAC, confirmed that the strike would proceed as planned, citing a lack of clarity in the court order. "We've received the order but its contents are unclear. We are going ahead with the strike and will consult legal experts," he stated.

Transport Workers' Demands Not Met

Despite the Chief Minister's reconciliation efforts, transport employees expressed dissatisfaction. Workers have demanded:

Immediate clearance of 38 months' arrears

A 15% salary hike

Fulfilment of at least 2 major demands out of the 12 in their charter

During the last strike, the government had reportedly assured action if bus fares were revised. However, it was later declared that salary revisions wouldn't be considered until 2027. On Monday, the Chief Minister offered to clear only 14 months' arrears and discuss salary hikes after the legislative session in 2024, which the union rejected.

Court Intervention Triggers Confusion

Lawyer N.P. Amrutesh and others filed petitions in the Karnataka High Court challenging the legality of the planned strike. The court suggested postponing the protest by a day, raising hopes that government-run bus services might operate normally on August 5.

However, confusion continues as union leaders insist the strike is ongoing. Subbarao emphasized that workers should protest peacefully and not fear government threats.

Public Transportation Hit Hard

As of Tuesday morning, buses across Karnataka remained off the roads, creating chaos for daily commuters. Major cities including Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi, and Mangaluru have reported reduced or completely halted KSRTC operations.

Despite legal hurdles and last-minute negotiations, the KSRTC strike has begun as scheduled on August 5, 2025. With no agreement reached and public transportation paralyzed, the impact is being felt statewide. As legal experts get involved and pressure mounts, it remains to be seen how long this indefinite strike will continue.