Punjab Bus Strike Ends After Government Bows to Transport Workers’ Demands

What’s the Situation

Contractual employees of Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS and PRTC went on strike on November 28, 2025 — protesting the government’s proposed “Kilometre-Scheme,” which they say threatens job security and favors private operators. Bus services across Punjab — including major depots like Ludhiana, Patiala, Sangrur — were severely disrupted. Thousands of commuters were stranded or forced to use expensive private transport.
The stir turned violent at places: there were clashes with police, gates of bus-stands were blocked, arrests made.

On December 2, 2025, the union announced that the strike is over after the state government accepted key demands.
The government reportedly agreed to:
- Release detained / arrested workers,
- Withdraw cases filed during protest,
- Accept union’s demands on regularization and cancellation of some actions — leading the union to call off the strike.
With strike over, government-run bus services will gradually resume across Punjab.

Although agreement was reached, union leaders said they will not return to duty until formal reinstatement orders are issued for dismissed staff and all legal cases dropped / detainees released.
For commuters: while services should start returning to normal, there may be some delay or limited frequency until full fleet resumes.

Good news: Bus services are expected to get back to normal soon — this should ease transport issues for daily commuters, students, and those relying on state-run buses.
But if you have travel plans in next 24–48 hours, check before you go: both state-run buses and private travel providers may still be adjusting.
If you rely on free-travel schemes (senior citizens, women, etc.), give some time for reinstatement before depending fully.