Private bus strike near total in Thrissur

The private bus strike called by Joint Committee of Bus Owners on Tuesday (July 8, 2025) was near total in Thrissur district. However, the impact on daily life was relatively limited as a significant number of private vehicles, two-wheelers, and cars took to the roads, and Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) stepped in with additional services on short-distance routes.

Offices and schools remained open, prompting commuters, including students and employees, to rely heavily on KSRTC and private vehicles to reach their destinations.

The absence of private buses led to heavy traffic congestion during peak hours, especially in the morning, as roads were flooded with alternative vehicles. KSRTC buses operated with heavy rush throughout the day, and the additional services helped to reduce the inconvenience for passengers.

Private bus owners staged the strike demanding timely renewal of limited stop and long-distance bus permits, an increase in student concession fares and withdrawal of the government’s move to make police clearance mandatory for bus staff.

The joint committee has warned that if there is no favourable response, especially regarding student fare revisions, they would launch an indefinite strike from July 22.

As a nationwide general strike organised by trade unions is observed on Wednesday, buses will not conduct services for two days. Trade union strike ls likely to hit the KSRTC services too.

Bus owners under the banner of the Bus Owners’ Coordination Committee took out a protest march to the Shakthan Bus Stand in Thrissur, expressing solidarity with the Statewide symbolic strike. The protest was inaugurated by M.S. Premkumar, chairman of the coordination committee.

While most private buses stayed off the roads, Kiran Motors, which operates services on the Thrissur–Thriprayar and Thrissur–Kanjani routes, continued operations despite the strike, attracting heavy crowds due to the limited transport options.

Meanwhile, pro-strike activists blocked the service of buses which conducted services. The police intervened to avoid clashes.