Thiruvananthapuram: The nationwide Bharat Bandh, organized by central trade unions protesting the central government's alleged anti-labour and pro-corporate policies, has thrown Kerala’s public transport system into disarray. Despite prior government assurances that KSRTC services would remain operational, hundreds of buses were blocked by trade union activists across multiple districts early Wednesday, effectively halting commuter mobility in the state.
In major cities such as Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Kozhikode, KSRTC depots became flashpoints of protest. At Ernakulam South depot, CITU activists obstructed a Kozhikode-bound low-floor bus at dawn, refusing to let it depart. Despite drivers and conductors reporting for duty in some regions, union-led blockades rendered service nearly impossible. Similar scenes unfolded in Kollam, where a KSRTC Swift service headed to Amrita Hospital was forcefully stopped, even as staff made genuine attempts to keep services running.
Thiruvananthapuram depot, typically one of the busiest in the state, wore a deserted look as KSRTC staff refrained from operation in solidarity with the bandh, or were physically blocked from performing duties. With public transport crippled, commuters, especially daily wage earners and office-goers, were seen scrambling for alternate arrangements. Police vehicles and private rickshaw operators offered limited relief, particularly in the capital, but failed to meet the demand surge caused by the complete shutdown of state-run buses.
Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar’s earlier claims that no formal strike notice had been served and that KSRTC services would run as usual were flatly contradicted by union leaders. CITU state president T.P. Ramakrishnan, also an LDF convenor, stated that advance strike notices had indeed been given and that the minister's statements were misleading. The contradiction exposed widening tensions between the government and labour organisations, particularly those aligned with the ruling Left Democratic Front.
Adding to the pressure, KSRTC management issued a 'Dies Non' circular, warning that employees who failed to report to duty would lose a day's salary, which would be deducted from their July payroll. The circular also instructed officers to remain present throughout the day, disallowed leaves without a valid medical certificate from a civil surgeon or higher, and demanded detailed attendance reports by 3 p.m. on strike day. However, the firmness of the order failed to override the impact of ground-level protests.
In Kozhikode, intercity services from outside districts trickled in, but no buses left the city depot, as picketers gathered to block movement. In rural areas, the strike's reach was equally strong, with student commuters and elderly citizens reporting immense difficulty in finding transport, as private buses and taxis also stayed off the roads in solidarity or fear of vandalism.
The state government’s wider directive treating July 9 as 'dies non' (no work, no pay) applied to civil service staff, teachers, and clerical workers, in an attempt to enforce attendance and discourage sympathy with the strike. Yet, in many government offices, attendance remained abysmally low, with non-essential services practically paused for the day.
Essential services such as hospitals, pharmacies, milk supply, and fire departments functioned largely without disruption, as they had been officially exempted. However, markets, shops, and commercial establishments across several towns either remained shut or saw very low footfall. The tourism sector, though technically exempt, also experienced severe limitations as transportation bottlenecks restricted movement to and from major destinations.
Despite the KSRTC management's stance and the government’s firm directives, the bandh proved effective in grounding normal life, underscoring the enduring strength of trade union networks in Kerala. Political observers note that this strike has again reignited debates around balancing government authority, public convenience, and union rights especially in a state known for its historically strong labour movements.
As the day unfolded, public resentment grew over the paralysis of basic services, even as union leaders celebrated what they termed a “total success.” The lingering question now remains: Will tomorrow bring a resumption of normalcy or will Kerala remain hostage to the escalating war between the state and its labour front.