Nationwide Bharat Bandh Scheduled for February 12, 2026
India is preparing for a comprehensive Bharat Bandh, or general strike, on Thursday, February 12, 2026. This large-scale industrial action is anticipated to cause significant disruptions to daily life and travel across the country. Commuters and travellers are strongly advised to plan their journeys in advance to mitigate unexpected inconveniences.
Organizers and Scale of the Strike
The one-day bandh is being organized by a coalition comprising more than ten central trade unions alongside several prominent farmers' organizations. Their primary grievances center on newly implemented labour codes, which they argue will substantially weaken worker rights and protections. According to statements from union leaders, the strike is projected to impact over 600 districts nationwide.
Amarjeet Kaur, General Secretary of the All India Trade Union Congress, provided a stark assessment of the expected participation. In an interview with PTI, she stated, "not less than 30 crore workers will participate in the strike called on February 12 (Thursday)." This massive mobilization underscores the depth of discontent among labor groups.
Key Demands and Government Response
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) is collaborating with trade unions to lead the protest. Their central demands focus on the rollback of the recently enacted labour codes, which they claim erode fundamental worker safeguards. While the Indian government has acknowledged the constitutional right to peaceful protest, it has simultaneously emphasized the importance of maintaining public order and ensuring that demonstrations remain non-violent.
Anticipated Travel and Service Disruptions
The strike is expected to have a pronounced effect on transportation and essential services. Public transport systems, including state-run buses and taxis, may operate on limited schedules or cease operations entirely in certain regions. States like Kerala and Odisha are likely to experience severe disruptions. Additionally, road blockades are anticipated in numerous urban centers, potentially causing traffic congestion near protest sites.
Banking services are also set to be impacted, as employees of major public-sector banks have pledged their support for the strike. Several financial institutions have already issued alerts warning customers of possible service interruptions.
Closures and Operational Exemptions
It is crucial to note that the Bharat Bandh does not constitute an official national holiday. Consequently, schools and colleges will not automatically close across India. However, due to anticipated transport disruptions, many educational institutions in states such as Kerala, Karnataka, and Odisha are likely to suspend operations. Local markets and retail shops may also choose to close voluntarily in solidarity with the protest.
Despite these widespread closures, essential services are expected to remain functional. This includes:
- Hospitals and ambulance services
- Pharmacies and essential supply chains (e.g., milk and newspapers)
- Utilities such as water and electricity
- Emergency services like fire departments
Travel Advisory and Preparation Tips
To navigate the anticipated disruptions, travellers are encouraged to adopt the following precautions:
- Verify railway and flight schedules in advance, as delays are possible.
- Utilize private vehicles where feasible, particularly for early morning travel.
- Avoid areas known for protest activities to circumvent roadblocks.
- Monitor local news outlets and adhere to official government advisories for real-time updates.
Staying informed through reliable sources is paramount to ensuring safety and minimizing inconvenience during this period of heightened activity.
