Breaking: Punjab bus services hit as workers announce statewide agitation
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, June 10, 2026: Public transport services in Punjab may face major disruption in the coming weeks as the Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS and PRTC Contract Workers Union has announced a statewide protest and warned of a three-day strike if its long-pending demands are not addressed by the government.
Union members staged gate rallies at depots across the state on Wednesday and declared a “chakka jam” agitation.
Worker leaders said that if the government fails to take immediate action on their demands, employees will observe a complete strike from June 22 to June 24. They also announced plans to hold a massive protest outside the Chief Minister’s residence during the agitation.
Demands Remain Unresolved Despite Four Years of AAP Government: Union
Union State President Resham Singh Gill alleged that despite four years of the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab, workers’ demands remain unresolved. He claimed that the government, like previous administrations, has failed to address issues concerning transport employees and has instead focused on benefiting a select few.
Gill said there is growing resentment among workers due to what he described as the government’s anti-employee policies. He further alleged that several employees involved in peaceful protests for their rights have remained in jail for the past six months, calling the action undemocratic and illegal. The union has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all detained workers.
During the gate rallies, union members urged the government to immediately fulfill several demands, including:
- Cancellation of the private kilometre scheme being implemented in the Transport Department.
- Regularisation of all contractual employees working in Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS and PRTC.
- Immediate release of workers allegedly jailed during the course of the agitation.