Thiruvananthapuram: In a bid to avert the looming statewide bus strike, Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar will meet with representatives of private bus operators today at 3:30 PM at his office. The urgent talks come in response to the joint strike committee’s decision to begin an indefinite strike starting July 22.
The strike has been called to press several long-standing demands, including a revision of student concession fares and permission for private buses to operate routes exceeding 140 kilometers. Bus owners are also protesting what they describe as relentless inspections and unjustified fines levied by the Motor Vehicle Department and police officials.
The private bus sector in Kerala is reportedly in deep crisis. From a peak of around 32,000 operational buses, the fleet has drastically declined to just 7,000 vehicles. Owners say this alarming drop is the result of economic pressure and administrative hurdles, and warn that continuing without substantial changes will be impossible.
Earlier discussions led by the Transport Commissioner failed to yield any solution, prompting bus owners to hold a symbolic protest strike on July 7. With grievances unresolved, they have now escalated their agitation into an indefinite strike, placing public transport across the state at risk of major disruption.