Karnataka Bus Strike Begins, Govt Advises WFH and Engages Private Operators Amid Public Transport Crisis

Bengaluru / Karnataka — August 5, 2025 — Public transport across Karnataka has come to a standstill as employees of the state-run transport corporations—including KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC—began an indefinite strike at 6 a.m., crippling services statewide. The strike follows failed negotiations with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over wage arrears and pay revisions.(turn0news13turn0news16)

Strike Triggers: Wage and Arrear Dispute

The unions are seeking:

• 25% pay hike effective from January 1, 2024

• Clearance of 38 months of salary arrears (Jan 2020 to Feb 2023)

• Wage revision through 2027
  The government offered to settle arrears for 14 months only and declined the proposed hike, leading to a stalemate.(turn0search7turn0search6)

Karnataka High Court Orders One-Day Stay

On August 4, the Karnataka High Court, citing concerns over the public’s right to mobility, issued an interim order postponing the strike till August 5, urging unions to await further talks. Despite the court’s directive, the unions proceeded with their plans.(turn0news17turn0news15)

Government Response: WFH Advisory & Private Bus Engagement

Anticipating severe commuter distress, the state government issued a work-from-home advisory to IT firms, schools, and offices in Bengaluru and other urban centers.

Simultaneously, officials held a high-level meeting with private transport associations, urging them to deploy buses and minibuses to support commuters. Private operators have requested concessions including:

• 15-day road tax exemption

• Enforcement of the 60:40 permit-sharing policy

• 50% waiver on penalties under digital surveillance audits
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Statewide Impact: Massive Disruptions Reported

Buses across Karnataka—including urban and rural routes—remained off-road. While limited services ran on the BMTC network, KSRTC operations were almost entirely suspended, especially at major hubs like Majestic. Commuters flocked to autos, taxis, ride-hailing apps, and overcrowded metro trains. Over one crore daily passengers in the state were adversely affected.(turn0news16turn0search5)

Union Leadership’s Firm Stand

H.V. Anantha Subbarao, president of the Joint Action Committee, said workers will remain absent until demands are fully met. Despite threats of invoking the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA), they vowed to continue the strike.(turn0search7turn0search9)

Summary Table