Chandigarh: Commuters relying on state-run public transport in Punjab face significant travel disruptions as contractual employees of the Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) and Punjab Roadways (PUNBUS) announced a three-day statewide strike. Expressing frustration over the state government’s unfulfilled promises regarding job regularisation and fleet expansion, the PRTC and PUNBUS Contract Workers Union confirmed that state transport services will remain suspended on August 3, 4, and 5.
Union leaders stated that despite repeated assurances from state authorities, the central issue of regularising contractual transport staff remains unaddressed. Protesters noted that the upcoming legislative session is approaching rapidly, yet no concrete policy or legislative framework has been enacted to secure their jobs. The union highlighted that previous negotiations held in late June and early July yielded draft proposals promising solutions within ten days, but more than three weeks have elapsed without any tangible government action.
Beyond employment terms, the protesting workers raised alarms over the deteriorating condition of the state’s public transit infrastructure. Approximately 800 buses purchased during previous administrations have surpassed their operational lifespans and been condemned, while the government plans to introduce only about 600 new vehicles. Furthermore, severe delays in procuring essential spare parts have hampered routine maintenance and repairs, leaving hundreds of buses inactive across various depots.
The transport union also cited a severe financial crisis stemming from the state’s free bus travel scheme for women. According to union estimates, the government owes the transport department approximately Rs 1,200 crore in unpaid reimbursements. Union representatives warned that these outstanding dues have severely constrained daily operations, fleet acquisition, and maintenance budgets, leaving workers with no alternative but to launch a full-scale protest.
