Kerala private bus operators warn of indefinite strike from July 22, set to meet Transport Minister

Private buses in Kerala would keep away from the roads indefinitely from July 22 (Tuesday) protesting against the inordinate delay in renewing permits of long-distance and limited stop buses, and also the delay in increasing the travel fare of students, Samyukta Samara Samiti, a conclave of bus operator associations in the State, has informed.

The other demands include the withdrawal of the mandatory police clearance certificate for bus crew and the levying of ‘big’ fine amounts through the e-challan system.

Meanwhile, the joint protest council is set to meet the Transport Minister at 4 pm on Monday (July 2, 2025) to discuss the issues. A final outcome on the strike will be taken after the meeting, it has been learnt.

Bus operators had observed a token strike highlighting these demands on July 8, said Hamsa Erikunnel, chairman of the samiti, in a release.

Meanwhile, Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samiti has sought the intervention of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to consider the demands raised by the bus operators. Passengers and small traders too would be affected by bus strikes, said Raju Apsara, its State president.