Kerala's Private Bus Operators Threaten Indefinite Strike Over Financial Woes

Private bus operators across Kerala are on the brink of bringing the state's transport network to a halt, threatening an indefinite strike over what they call inadequate government measures to address their financial distress. The move comes as a direct response to the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation's (KSRTC) Priyadarshini scheme, which allows women to travel for free on ordinary buses—a policy operators say is crippling their business.

Roots of the Discontent

When the state government launched the Priyadarshini scheme, it aimed to empower women with free travel. But for private bus owners, it spelled financial trouble. They watched passenger numbers shift, revenues dip, and operational costs climb—all without compensation. The government formed an expert committee to study their grievances, but the resulting recommendations have fallen flat.

What the Committee Proposed—And What’s Missing

The committee suggested designating private bus services as an official industry and extending their operational lifespan by three years. While these measures might offer long-term stability, operators argue they ignore immediate, urgent needs. They’re calling for a zero-ticketing system for women on private buses, diesel subsidies, higher student fares, and a raise in the minimum ticket price from ₹10 to ₹15.

“The recommendations in the expert committee report are inadequate for private bus owners to sustain their business. We see no recommendations from the commission regarding our demand.”
— T. Gopinathan, General Secretary, AKBOA

A Decision Hangs in the Balance

With tensions mounting, the All Kerala Bus Operators Association will meet on September 8 in Palakkad to decide whether to proceed with a statewide shutdown. For now, the roads are still running—but every operator is counting the hours until Sunday.