Kerala private bus operators to march to Secretariat on October 14

Private bus operators in Kerala plan to march to the Secretariat and hold a dharna on October 14, 2026, to demand steps to protect the private bus industry.

Agitation Plan

The Kerala State Private Bus Operators Federation will also hold a token strike on the same day. Office-bearers of the federation will stage a fast in front of the Secretariat in the last week of October if authorities fail to meet their demands. The federation announced in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday that operators will launch an indefinite strike by stopping all bus services in the first week of November if the State government does not take a positive decision.

Core Demands

The protests stem from multiple issues affecting the sector. Operators want steps to protect workers and bus owners harmed by the State government's Priyadarshini free travel scheme for women and transgender persons. They also demand a hike in bus fares, including student concession fares, to match higher running costs. Additionally, the federation seeks the withdrawal of the Transport Commissioner's order to hold timing conferences only in online mode.

Context

Public transport disputes often arise when government welfare schemes and rising fuel or operational costs put financial pressure on private operators. These conflicts typically involve negotiations over fare revisions and student concession rates to keep bus services running without major disruptions.