Punjab Transport Strike Concludes After Government Assurances
In a significant development, contractual employees of the Punjab Roadways Transport Corporation (PRTC) and Punbus have officially ended their statewide strike. The decision came on Thursday evening following concrete assurances from the Punjab state government regarding their long-standing demands.
Government Commitments Lead to Resolution
The breakthrough occurred after a union delegation held crucial discussions with state government officials and representatives. Harkesh Kumar Vicky, general secretary of the employees' union, confirmed the positive outcome. "The government has provided firm assurances to promptly release our colleagues who were arrested in November 2025," Vicky stated. "Additionally, they have committed to allowing employees who have been barred from duties for over 75 days to return to work."
Escalation and Police Response
Earlier on Thursday, tensions had escalated significantly. Employees reported that police had detained more than 11 union members since Wednesday night. These preventive measures were implemented to stop a planned gherao (encirclement) of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's residence in Sangrur. The area had become a flashpoint since late November 2025, when previous clashes between protesters and security forces resulted in multiple arrests.
Authorities deployed substantial security resources in Sangrur, including water cannons, fire brigades, and ambulances, to maintain order and prevent any potential disturbances during the protest activities.
Impact on Commuters and Operations
The strike had widespread consequences across Punjab, severely disrupting public transportation services. Government-run PRTC and Punbus buses remained largely stationary, stranding countless commuters who rely on these services for daily travel. Only buses operated by regular staff continued to function during the protest period, providing minimal relief to the affected public.
The resolution brings much-needed stability to Punjab's transportation network and addresses key concerns raised by contractual employees regarding their working conditions and rights.
