Kerala Transport Minister Calls Bus Owners for Talks Ahead of Indefinite Strike

Kerala Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar has invited bus owners for urgent talks tomorrow, July 16, at 3:30 PM, in an effort to avert an indefinite strike scheduled to begin on July 22. The Joint Action Council of bus owners announced the strike, citing several demands, including a crucial increase in the one-rupee ticket fare for students.

Initial discussions between the Transport Commissioner and bus owners failed to reach a resolution. This led to a symbolic strike on July 7, after which bus owners declared their indefinite protest. Following this declaration, the Minister personally called for the new round of talks with private bus owners.

• Key demands put forth by the bus owners include:

• An increase in student bus fares.

• Issuance of permits for routes exceeding 140 kilometers.

An end to the frequent inspections and “unjust” fines imposed by the Motor Vehicles Department and the police.

Bus owners highlight the severe decline in their industry, noting that the number of operational buses has shrunk from 32,000 to just 7,000. They state that without government intervention on these issues, the industry cannot sustain itself.