Karnataka Transport Strike: Thousands Left Stranded as NWKRTC Staff Protest

Employees of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) went on strike on August 5, 2025, paralyzing public transport in Belagavi district. The strike affected most of the 1,450 routes in Belagavi and Chikkodi divisions, with around 4,300 staff not reporting to work. Passengers, including women, children, and elders, were left stranded at bus stands. The strike also affected operations in other parts of Karnataka, with employees of State-run transport corporations participating in the strike.

Employees of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and the North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) went on strike on August 5, 2025, paralyzing public transport in Belagavi district. The strike affected most of the 1,450 routes in Belagavi and Chikkodi divisions, with around 4,300 staff not reporting to work. Passengers, including women, children, and elders, were left stranded at bus stands. The strike also affected operations in other parts of Karnataka, with employees of state-run transport corporations participating in the protest.

The strike was called over two main demands: the payment of 38 months’ pending salary arrears, amounting to ₹1,785 crore, and a 25% salary hike effective from January 1, 2024. Despite the Karnataka High Court issuing an interim stay against the strike, employees proceeded with their protest, causing significant inconvenience to commuters.

The strike has led to a surge in demand for private bus services and cab operators as passengers sought alternative transport options. In Bengaluru, some commuters reported autorickshaw drivers charging very high fares. The state government has advised IT companies to allow their staff to work from home to minimize traffic congestion and inconvenience to commuters.

The strike has had a significant impact on economic activities, particularly in urban areas. The disruption in public transport has led to delays and inconvenience for daily commuters, affecting their ability to reach workplaces and other destinations. The strike has also impacted the tourism sector in Belagavi, with visitors finding it difficult to travel within the district.

The state government has prepared contingency measures involving private operators to keep limited services running. However, the situation remains tense, with uncertainty over how long the strike will last and whether the state will step in with a revised offer or harsher action.

References:
[1] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/bengaluru-news/bengaluru-bus-strike-updates-why-drivers-are-protesting-what-to-expect-and-are-cabs-and-private-buses-operating/articleshow/123108242.cms
[2] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/karnataka-bus-strike-begins-employees-defy-hc-order-as-talks-fail-thousands-stranded-across-state/articleshow/123108083.cms
[3] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/bengaluru-news/karnataka-bus-strike-state-government-advises-wfh-calls-for-private-operators-to-step-in-amid-kstrc-bmtc-employees-protest/articleshow/123107981.cms