The strikes and resulting financial losses have renewed debate over the kilometre scheme.

Punjab Transport Employees Stage 15 Strikes, Cost Exchequer Over Rs 23 Crore

Punjab’s public transport sector has faced massive disruption this year. Contractual employees of the Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC), along with staff members from Punbus and Punjab Roadways, went on 15 strikes. These repeated protests have resulted in an estimated loss of over Rs 23 crore to the public exchequer.

The employees have raised their concerns over the controversial “kilometre scheme”, which, according to them, is a form of privatisation in disguise. The purpose of these strikes was to press the government to address their demands and reconsider the scheme. The ongoing unrest has created an impact on thousands of daily commuters and has caused inconvenience to the public and highlighted tensions between transport workers and management.

Transport officials report that these disruptions have impacted bus services on a massive scale across the state, particularly in Punjab’s major cities. The strikes, while focused on voicing legitimate worker grievances, have underscored the fragility of public transportation operations and the financial strain on state-run services.

Sources associated with the matter highlighted that the loss to the exchequer not only represents missed revenue but also points to the broader challenges of balancing labour rights with efficient public service delivery. Public transport users, including women and students who are dependent on concessional travel, have felt the direct consequences of these service interruptions.

The strikes and resulting financial losses have renewed debate over the kilometre scheme. The scheme involves outsourcing certain bus operations to private contractors. Employees argue that the scheme threatens their job security and long-term employment prospects, while management maintains that the intent is to improve efficiency and service coverage.

This series of strikes serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics in Punjab’s transport sector, where policy decisions, employee welfare, and public service obligations intersect. As the state seeks to resolve these conflicts, commuters continue to bear the brunt of repeated disruptions, highlighting the urgent need for constructive dialogue and sustainable solutions.

With 15 strikes in a single year and over Rs 23 crore in losses, Punjab’s transport system faces pressing challenges that require balanced policy action and attention to both employee rights and public interest.

Source: Times of India