Kerala private bus operators warn of indefinite strike over Priyadarshini scheme losses

Private bus operators in Kerala have threatened an indefinite statewide strike, citing severe financial strain from the KSRTC's Priyadarshini scheme, which offers free travel to women on ordinary state-run buses. The operators argue that the recommendations of a government-appointed expert committee fail to address their core grievances.

The expert committee, tasked with studying the sector's difficulties, proposed declaring private bus services an industry and extending the operational life of buses from 22 to 25 years. However, the All Kerala Bus Operators Association (AKBOA) contends that these suggestions do not touch upon the demands that would meaningfully ease their losses.

AKBOA general secretary T. Gopinathan stated that the report is inadequate for sustaining private operations. The association is pushing for a zero-ticketing system for women on private buses, a diesel subsidy, higher student fares, and an increase in the minimum ticket price from ₹10 to ₹15.

Gopinathan said the financial situation has become so dire that operators cannot continue services even for a day. The AKBOA's state committee will meet in Palakkad on September 8 to decide on halting services across the state.