Karnataka RTC Staff Stage Protest in Bengaluru Demanding 26 Months of Arrears
Employees of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (RTC) held a significant protest in Bengaluru on Wednesday, demanding the immediate clearance of 26 months of pending arrears. The demonstration, organized under the banner 'Bengaluru Chalo', saw participation from RTC workers across various districts of Karnataka, converging at Freedom Park in the state capital.
Despite the large-scale gathering, bus operations across the state remained largely unaffected, with services running as usual. This strategic move by the protesters aimed to highlight their grievances without disrupting public transportation, ensuring minimal inconvenience to commuters.
Key Details of the Protest
The protest was characterized by a peaceful yet firm stance from the RTC staff, who have been awaiting the settlement of their dues for over two years. Key aspects of the event include:
- Location: The demonstration took place at Freedom Park, a common site for public protests in Bengaluru, symbolizing the workers' demand for justice and financial relief.
- Participation: Workers from multiple RTC depots across Karnataka joined the stir, reflecting widespread discontent among the corporation's employees regarding the delayed payments.
- Timing: The protest occurred on February 19, 2026, as reported by DHNS, with updates indicating ongoing efforts to resolve the issue.
Impact and Response
While the protest did not halt bus services, it drew attention to the financial struggles faced by RTC staff, who rely on these arrears for their livelihoods. The corporation's management and state authorities are under pressure to address the backlog, which has accumulated over 26 months, affecting thousands of employees.
In response, officials have acknowledged the protest, with discussions likely underway to expedite the clearance process. The situation underscores broader challenges in public sector employment and wage management in Karnataka.
This report is based on information from DHNS, last updated on February 19, 2026, at 22:16 IST.
