Kerala is set to face major transportation disruptions as private bus operators across the state gear up for an indefinite strike starting July 22, following failed negotiations with the government. Their key demands include revising outdated ₹1 student concession fares, ensuring timely permit renewals for long-route services, withdrawing mandatory police clearances for staff, and cracking down on fake concession cards and unjust penalties.
Despite the Kerala Bus Operators Forum backing out of the protest, several other associations remain firm on proceeding with the strike. The unrest was previewed on July 8, when a token strike involving 20,000 private buses brought much of Kerala’s transport to a standstill, affecting daily commutes, schools, and hospital access. KSRTC temporarily deployed additional buses to cushion the blow.
Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar has hinted at a modest fare hike and pledged to discuss permit-related issues with the Chief Minister. While he defended police background checks for drivers and conductors as essential for public safety, he also announced relaxation in qualification norms, reducing the minimum education requirement for conductors from Class 10 to Class 7.
If a resolution is not reached before July 22, the state faces a prolonged transit crisis. The government may be forced to invoke the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) to avoid total disruption—though such measures have been rare in Kerala.
