Amritsar: People in Punjab may continue to face travel disruptions today as contractual employees of PRTC and Panbus remain on strike. As a result, the wheels of most government buses have come to a halt, with only a limited number of buses operating on the roads.

The employees’ association has decided that workers from all districts will gather today at the Mohali Phase-6 Bus Stand. They will begin an indefinite hunger strike there and later in the afternoon march towards the Chief Minister’s residence. In view of the protest, Mohali and Chandigarh Police have been put on alert.

Over 2,200 Buses Off Roads, Rs 4 Crore Loss Reported

Due to the strike, more than 2,200 government buses remained off the roads across Punjab on Monday, affecting nearly 1,000 to 1,100 routes. According to the employees, the one-day strike caused an estimated loss of around Rs 4 crore.

The disruption has caused major inconvenience to passengers, especially women who avail of the state’s free bus travel scheme. Nearly 50 per cent of the transport department’s revenue comes from government subsidies provided for women’s free travel. With buses not operating, the department is unlikely to receive this amount as well.

Travel Alternatives for Passengers

• Use private buses or buses operated by neighbouring states, but confirm the fare beforehand as higher demand may lead to increased charges.
• Check with bus stands or help desks for the limited Punjab Roadways buses being operated by regular employees.
• Consider train services, especially for long-distance travel.
• Opt for shared cabs or taxis to reduce travel costs.
• Use auto-rickshaws or e-rickshaws for local travel within cities.
• Leave home early, as reduced bus services may result in longer waiting times and heavy crowds.
• Passengers travelling from Chandigarh should confirm bus availability through CTU (local buses), Haryana Roadways, and PRTC control rooms before starting their journey.