JALANDHAR, October 21, 2026: Government bus services in Jalandhar were hit on Wednesday after contractual workers of Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS and PRTC began an indefinite strike over their long-pending employment-related demands. Around 300 employees from Jalandhar Depot-1 and Depot-2 joined the protest, affecting the movement of buses from the city’s main bus stand.
The impact was visible from the morning as passengers arriving for their usual journeys found fewer government buses operating on several routes. Many commuters waited for extended periods before turning to private buses and other modes of transport to reach their destinations.
Several passengers said they had reached the bus stand unaware that the strike had begun. Those who depend on government buses for work, jobs, education and other routine travel faced delays, with some commuters reporting waits of one to two hours.
Contract workers had earlier announced that they would begin a complete strike from October 21 if their demands remained unresolved. With no final settlement reached before the deadline, employees stopped work and began demonstrations at bus depots across Punjab, including Jalandhar.
The union has said that its struggle is currently centred around three major demands. These include ending the contractor-based employment system and bringing outsourced workers under direct contractual arrangements, withdrawing cases registered against employees during earlier protests, and introducing service rules in PUNBUS to create a pathway for eligible contractual employees to receive permanent status.
Union representatives say thousands of employees across Punjab are covered by these categories, including drivers, conductors, workshop staff, data operators, clerical employees and advance booking staff.
Workers have also raised objections to the expansion of private buses under the kilometre scheme. The union claims such arrangements could weaken the state-run transport system and has demanded greater protection for public transport services and existing employees.
The strike has placed additional pressure on private bus services, particularly on busy inter-city routes. Passengers who would normally travel on Punjab Roadways or PUNBUS buses were seen looking for alternative services as government bus operations remained affected.
A meeting between representatives of the contractual workers and Transport Minister Harpal Singh Cheema was scheduled for Wednesday, with both employees and passengers watching closely for any breakthrough that could restore normal services.
Union representatives have warned that the agitation could be intensified if their key demands are not addressed. They have maintained that the strike will continue until a satisfactory decision is reached.
For passengers, the immediate concern remains the restoration of regular bus operations. Government buses form an important part of daily public transport in Jalandhar, particularly for people travelling between the city and neighbouring towns and villages.
Until an agreement is reached between the government and the union, passengers may continue to face reduced government bus availability and longer waiting times at Jalandhar Bus Stand.
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