Karnataka Bus Strike: KSRTC and BMTC Services Disrupted, Leaving Passengers Stranded

A strike called by the employees of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has disrupted bus services across the state of Karnataka. The strike, which began on August 5, 2025, has left thousands of passengers stranded, with many struggling to find alternative modes of transport. The employees are demanding a hike in wages, better working conditions, and other benefits. The strike has affected not only the city of Bangalore but also other parts of the state, with buses going off the road in districts such as Mysuru, Mangaluru, and Hubballi. The KSRTC and BMTC are the primary modes of public transport in Karnataka, catering to millions of passengers every day. The strike has caused chaos and confusion among commuters, with many being forced to rely on private vehicles or auto-rickshaws. The state government has appealed to the employees to call off the strike, but so far, there has been no resolution. The strike has also affected the livelihoods of many people who depend on the bus services to commute to work. The KSRTC and BMTC have a combined fleet of over 20,000 buses, which transport millions of passengers every day. The strike has brought the entire transport system to a grinding halt, with buses parked at depots across the state. The employees are demanding a 25% hike in wages, which they claim is long overdue. They are also seeking better working conditions, including improved facilities at bus stations and depots. The strike has been called by the Karnataka State Road Transport Employees League, which represents the employees of the KSRTC and BMTC. The league has claimed that the strike will continue until their demands are met. The state government has set up a committee to negotiate with the employees, but so far, there has been no breakthrough. The strike has caused significant losses to the KSRTC and BMTC, with estimates suggesting that the two corporations are losing crores of rupees every day. The strike has also affected the tourism industry, with many tourists relying on bus services to travel across the state. The state government has appealed to the employees to consider the inconvenience caused to passengers and to call off the strike. However, the employees remain adamant, claiming that their demands are genuine and that they will not back down until they are met. The strike has highlighted the need for better management of the transport system in Karnataka, with many calling for reforms to improve the working conditions of employees and the services provided to passengers. The state government has promised to look into the demands of the employees and to take steps to improve the transport system. However, for now, the strike continues, leaving thousands of passengers stranded across the state.

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