Punjab Government Bus Strike 2026: Government buses in Punjab are stuck in traffic, read essential news before traveling

Punjab Government Bus Strike 2026: A strike by contract workers of Panbus and PRTC in Punjab is expected to severely affect government bus services.

Around 7,500 employees affiliated with the union announced that they would begin the strike at 12 a.m. on Tuesday night. According to the workers, the protest could continue until their demands are met. This may disrupt bus services operating from various bus terminals and depots across the state. Daily commuters, salaried workers, students and long‑distance travelers could face difficulties.

Punjab Government Bus Strike 2026: Impact on the operation of about 3,000 buses

The union says that the strike could affect the operation of roughly 3,000 government buses. The workers clarified that no definite timeline can be given at present regarding when the protest will end or on which day bus services will resume normal operations.

Union state general secretary Shamsher Singh Dhillon said that a fierce battle will now be fought over the workers’ demands. He added that the next decision on the strike will be taken based on the union’s meeting and the prevailing circumstances of the protest.

However, confirmation that all bus services will be completely shut down must be obtained from the latest notice of the concerned depots and the transport department. Passengers are advised to check the availability of buses with their bus terminal or the relevant transport service before leaving home.

The contract workers’ strike will inconvenience passengers

The strike is likely to impact most severely those passengers who travel daily on government buses for work, study or other essential activities. Government buses are a vital mode of transport for ordinary people in various cities and towns of Punjab.

The union says that during the strike, regular or permanent staff will try to operate buses, but the number of such employees at each depot is limited. Consequently, maintaining bus services at normal levels may be difficult.

Long‑distance buses are also reported to be affected. According to the report, some long‑route buses had already been taken out of service before the strike began, forcing a few passengers to return to the bus terminals.

Passengers should arrange alternative travel in advance. In particular, patients heading to hospitals, students appearing for exams and people traveling to other cities for essential work should verify bus schedules and availability.

Punjab Government Bus Strike 2026: What are the workers’ main demands?

Contract employees of Panbus and PRTC have long protested over service conditions and employment‑related issues. This time the union has launched a movement with several demands.

1. Demand to regularise contract workers

The union’s primary demand is that employees working on contract be made permanent. Workers want job security and regular employment…