February 19 Transport Strike: Karnataka State Bus Services to Halt Statewide as BMTC, KSRTC Strike Looms

Bus commuters across Karnataka are bracing for possible disruption as transport unions continue to press the state government over salary arrears and wage revision, even after the government approved release of 26 months' pending dues.

More than 1.15 lakh employees from four state-run transport corporations had warned of a statewide shutdown if their demands were not met. The government has now sanctioned ₹1,271.92 crore towards 26 months of arrears. However, unions are yet to officially announce whether the proposed strike will be called off.

The warning is tied to a large "Bengaluru Chalo" protest scheduled at Freedom Park on February 19. Union leaders have said they will wait until 4 pm for a clear and formal assurance on full settlement and other demands. If talks fail, bus services could be suspended from the next morning.

Which Corporations Are Involved?

Employees from the following corporations are part of the Joint Action Committee:

Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC)

Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC)

North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC)

Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC)

Together, these corporations operate thousands of buses connecting cities, towns and villages across the state. A strike could affect daily commuters, office-goers, students and rural passengers who rely heavily on public transport.

Government's Latest Offer

According to the Karnataka government order issued on February 18:

• 26 months of arrears amounting to ₹1,271.92 crore have been approved.
• 14 months (January 1, 2022 to February 28, 2023) will be cleared with a special grant of ₹718.93 crore, based on the recommendation of a one-member committee headed by retired IAS officer Srinivasa Murthy.
• 12 months (January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021) will be cleared with a special grant of ₹552.99 crore.
• The government has also agreed to begin discussions with labour unions on percentage-based salary revision to be implemented from April 1, 2025.

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, speaking to reporters at the KSRTC office in Shantinagar, said ₹1,271 crore would be released after the budget. He added that discussions would continue with unions regarding wage revision.

However, the full demand of 38 months' arrears has not been accepted, which may influence the unions' final decision.

'Bengaluru Chalo' Protest Plan

At a press conference held at the AITUC headquarters in Sheshadripuram, union leaders announced that employees would gather at Freedom Park between 10 am and 4 pm on February 19.

The protest was originally planned for January 29 but was postponed following the death of senior transport leader Ananth Subbarao on January 28. After internal discussions in early February, unions rescheduled the mobilisation for February 19.

Leaders say the demonstration will focus on pending salary arrears and implementation of the promised pay revision.

What Are the Key Demands?

According to union representatives:

14 months of salary arrears remain unpaid

The promised wage revision has not been implemented

Workers want full settlement with interest, not partial payment

Unions claim they have held multiple rounds of talks with ministers and officials over the past two years. They allege that written appeals have not led to concrete action.

What Happens Next?

Union leaders have urged employees not to report to depots and to remain united at the protest venue. They say the government still has time to resolve the issue and prevent a statewide shutdown.

If no agreement is reached by 4 pm on February 19, services may be halted from February 20, potentially affecting bus operations across Karnataka.

For now, passengers are advised to monitor official announcements and prepare alternative travel arrangements in case services are disrupted.