Bengaluru Transport Strike: Karnataka’s public transportation system is facing massive disruption as employees of the state-run transport corporations, including KSRTC and BMTC, have launched an indefinite strike from August 5, 2025. The protest has thrown daily life in Bengaluru and other parts of the state into disarray. From office commuters to students, millions are now forced to look for alternate transportation.
The striking employees are demanding payment of 38 months of salary arrears and implementation of a promised salary hike starting January 1, 2024. As the strike intensifies, the state government has issued advisories and sought backup from private transport operators.
Why Are Transport Employees on Strike?
The core demands from Karnataka’s transport unions include:
- 38 months of pending salary arrears, not just partial.
- A salary hike effective from January 1, 2024, as previously discussed with the government.
Despite several rounds of talks, the government has not fully agreed to these terms. During the final meeting on Monday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah offered to clear only two years of arrears, asking the unions to forgo the remaining year. Union leaders rejected the proposal outright, stating they want full payment of all dues.
H.V. Anantha Subbarao, president of the KSRTC Staff and Workers’ Federation, said,
“There was no clear commitment on the salary hike either. We are not happy. The strike will continue.”
Bengaluru IT Sector Gets Work From Home Advisory
To mitigate chaos on city roads, the Karnataka government has requested all IT firms in Bengaluru to allow employees to work from home until the situation improves. The move aims to reduce traffic congestion and minimize the impact on public life.
This advisory is especially relevant for the tech corridors of Bengaluru, where thousands rely on BMTC buses daily.
Government’s Backup Plan: Private Vehicles to the Rescue
The government is scrambling to ensure minimal disruption. As part of an emergency response:
- Private buses, minibuses, taxis, and autos are being brought in temporarily.
- The Transport Department is in talks with private operators who have shown interest but also raised their own set of demands:
- A 15-day road tax exemption
- A 60:40 phased permit allocation system
- A 50% waiver on digital audit fines
- Strict enforcement against government buses running on private routes illegally
This collaboration could temporarily relieve commuters, but it remains uncertain how effectively these measures will be implemented across the state.
Some Districts Unaffected by the Strike
Interestingly, not all regions in Karnataka are hit equally. According to local reports:
- Shivamogga, Udupi, and Mangaluru remain largely unaffected due to their robust private bus networks.
- In Uttara Kannada, KSRTC employees have refused to participate in the strike, ensuring continued service in the area.
This mixed response indicates the fragmented impact of the protest across Karnataka.
Political Fallout and Government’s Response
Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy expressed disappointment over the failed negotiations.
“We were hoping to reach a resolution, but unfortunately, no consensus could be achieved,” he said.
With public anger mounting and daily operations crippled, pressure is now mounting on the state government to find a middle ground quickly.
What Happens Next?
As the indefinite strike unfolds, here’s what citizens need to keep in mind:
- Check with your local transport provider or KSRTC/BMTC updates before planning any travel.
- Private transport costs may temporarily rise due to increased demand.
- Stay updated through news outlets for any policy announcements or strike withdrawals.
A Standoff with High Stakes
The Bengaluru transport strike is not just a fight for salaries—it’s a reflection of a much deeper disconnect between government employees and administrative promises. As lakhs of daily commuters struggle and IT firms operate remotely, the state awaits a concrete resolution. Until then, Karnataka’s transport services hang in uncertainty.