Punjab bus services hit as PRTC, Punbus workers protest ‘privatisation’

Patiala: Public transport in Punjab faced major disruption on Wednesday after Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS, and PRTC Contract Workers Union (25/11) observed a total ‘Chakka Jam' from afternoon, citing continued incarceration of union members and the govt's move towards "privatisation".The union said the escalation followed a series of state-wide gate rallies held on Monday. Union leader Harkesh Kumar Vicky said the strike started after a meeting of union leaders with the state govt panel in Chandigarh remained fruitless, although talks continued over their demand.He accused Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) govt in Punjab of shifting towards a "pro-corporate" agenda, with the main point of contention being the kilometre scheme, under which the state hired private buses to operate on govt routes. "It a ‘backdoor entry' for private players that would eventually dismantle the state's public transport infrastructure. Despite our protest, the govt floated tenders for buses under kilometre scheme. Our colleagues are lodged inside jails for over 70 days after being arrested by police during earlier protest across state and we are demanding their release," he said.Union leaders said the protest gained momentum after the arrest of several union activists nearly two months ago. They said the members were booked under severe charges, including attempt to murder, during previous demonstrations. The union alleged the govt used the legal cases as leverage to silence dissent, and claimed they were told their colleagues would only be released if they stopped criticising the administration.After systematic suspension of bus services across all major depots on Wednesday, the union members announced a complete strike and a massive protest rally at the residence of chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday. Hundreds of daily commuters, particularly students and women who relied on the state's free travel scheme, were affected. The union said Punjab's state fleet operated significantly below its sanctioned strength, and claimed that failing to add new buses while implementing the Kilometer Scheme would further hurt the public exchequer.Yogesh Kumar said, "The private buses are overloaded in the absence of govt buses and commuters are facing harsh situation especially women. The govt should intervene and get the matter resolved at earliest possible to get the services restored of public sector buses. I had to go to Rampura phul but the absence of buses and overcrowded private buses had left us in lurch."