Punjab Bus Services May Be Hit From Sept 22 As 6,500 Contract Workers Plan Indefinite Strike

September 19, 2026

Chandigarh: Bus services across Punjab may be affected from September 22 as around 6,500 contractual employees of Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS and PRTC are preparing to go on an indefinite strike.

The Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS and PRTC Contract Workers Union has announced the strike over a range of demands, including regularisation of employees and an end to the contractual system.

According to the union, more than 2,700 buses could be affected if the strike goes ahead, potentially causing inconvenience to daily commuters across the state.

Workers Seek Regularisation After 4.5 Years

Union state president Resham Singh Gill said employees have been demanding regularisation of their services and an end to the contract system for the past four-and-a-half years.

He said around 60 to 65 meetings have been held with the government on the issue so far, but no concrete decision has been taken.

Gill said a meeting with the Transport Minister scheduled for September 17 was cancelled. The union said repeated discussions without a resolution had prompted employees to announce the indefinite strike.

Union Accuses Government Of Failing To Honour Promises

Gill alleged that the government had promised before coming to power that contractual employees would be regularised and provided full salary-related benefits.

The union claimed that not a single contractual employee in the Transport Department has been regularised during the government’s tenure.

Union leaders said employees have been working under contractual arrangements for years and demanded a permanent solution to issues concerning their jobs and future.

Questions Raised Over PF And ESI Contributions

Union general secretary Shamsher Singh Dhillon also raised concerns over the handling of employees’ Provident Fund (PF) and Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) contributions through contractors.

He alleged that employees were being exploited in the name of PF and ESI contributions.

The union has demanded that these issues be addressed and that the contractual system be abolished, with employees brought directly under the Transport Department.

Union Demands More Government Buses

Union senior vice-president Harkesh Kumar Vicky said the number of government buses needs to be increased.

According to him, around 800 buses have already been declared unfit or obsolete, but new buses have not been purchased.

Dhillon alleged that instead of expanding the government fleet, the government was promoting the kilometre scheme. The union said strengthening public transport requires an increase in the number of government-owned buses.

The union has also demanded the withdrawal of cases registered against employees during previous protests and the release of employees who are currently in jail.

Protest Planned Outside CM, Transport Minister’s Residences

Union leaders said a complete bus shutdown would begin across Punjab from September 22 if the strike goes ahead.

Along with the strike, employees plan to stage demonstrations outside the residences of the Chief Minister and the Transport Minister.

The union said the government and Transport Department management would be responsible for any disruption caused by the agitation.

If the strike proceeds as announced, services operated by Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS and PRTC are expected to be affected, potentially creating difficulties for passengers across the state.