Thiruvananthapuram, June 11
Private bus operators in Kerala have threatened to launch an indefinite statewide strike after June 19, protesting the State government’s decision to provide free travel for women in Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) ordinary bus services.
The warning was issued by the All Kerala Private Bus Operators Association during a meeting held in Thrissur on Thursday. The association alleged that the free travel scheme, scheduled to be implemented by the government, could seriously affect the viability of private bus operations across the state.
According to the operators, women account for a substantial share of daily passengers on private buses. They argued that the introduction of free travel in KSRTC buses would prompt a large section of commuters to shift to government services, leading to a sharp decline in ridership and revenue for private operators.
Bus owners said the sector is already struggling with rising fuel prices, increasing maintenance costs and higher operational expenses. They maintained that the proposed welfare scheme, though beneficial to women passengers, could push many private operators into severe financial difficulty and threaten the survival of the industry.
The association also highlighted that student bus fares have not been revised for the past 15 years despite significant increases in operating costs. Private buses continue to function under government-regulated fare structures, leaving operators with limited flexibility to offset mounting expenses.
Seeking government intervention, the operators demanded a comprehensive relief package for the private transport sector in the upcoming State Budget. They urged the government to extend benefits and concessions similar to those enjoyed by KSRTC, including financial assistance and policy support measures.
The association warned that if their concerns are ignored and no supportive measures are announced, private bus services across Kerala could be suspended indefinitely after June 19.
Operators further cautioned that any prolonged disruption of private bus services would affect public transportation across the state and could jeopardise the livelihoods of thousands of workers, including drivers, conductors and other employees dependent on the sector.
The State government’s free travel initiative for women is one of its flagship welfare measures aimed at reducing travel expenses and improving mobility. However, private operators have called for a balanced approach that protects both passenger welfare and the sustainability of Kerala’s transport network.
