Kerala bus operators plan Secretariat march, threaten November strike

Private bus operators in Kerala have escalated their agitation against the state government, scheduling a demonstration at the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram next month. The Kerala State Private Bus Operators Federation announced the October 14 march as part of its campaign to press the administration into addressing the sector's grievances.

The federation has set a clear timeline for government action, indicating that failure to reach a favourable resolution could trigger more disruptive measures. Officials representing the operators have warned that an indefinite strike suspending all bus services across the state could commence in the first week of November if their concerns remain unaddressed.

The planned protests underscore mounting tensions between private transport operators and the Kerala government over issues affecting the bus industry. The federation's strategy of escalating demonstrations reflects the sector's frustration with the current policy environment and perceived lack of government support.

Private bus services form a critical component of Kerala's public transport infrastructure, serving commuters across urban and rural areas. A prolonged strike would significantly disrupt mobility for hundreds of thousands of passengers dependent on these services for daily travel.