A primary demand is the release of colleagues arrested during December protests under serious charges.

Transport Crisis Deepens as Punjab Roadways and PRTC Strike Hits Second Day 

The "chakka jam" initiated by Punjab Roadways and PRTC contract workers entered its second day this Thursday. The strike coincided with a Bharat Bandh called by bank, trade, and farmer unions to protest an India-US trade deal, leading to significant public disruption.

Having started their indefinite strike on Wednesday, the contract workers have brought state transport services to a standstill. Although the government invited union representatives for discussions on Wednesday evening, the lengthy meeting ended without a resolution. Consequently, many commuters remained stranded on Thursday, leaving them with no choice but to use private bus services.

Harkesh Vicky, vice-president of the PRTC Contractual Employees Union, confirmed that approximately 8,000 workers across 27 depots are participating in the protest. Union leaders had discussions with the Transport Secretary in Chandigarh. A primary demand is the release of colleagues arrested during December protests under serious charges, including attempted murder. Unions claim over 20 members face non-bailable charges, and 34 have been terminated.

Further protests by trade unions are expected to increase public inconvenience across Punjab. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher defended the Bharat Bandh, stating that peaceful resentment is a democratic right. He argued that the protest targeted increased privatisation and claimed the India-US trade deal would be harmful to the farming community.

Source: The Tribune