Mohali, Feb 12: Bus services across Punjab are scheduled to normalize on Friday after Punjab Roadways and PRTC contract employees reached an agreement with the state government to end their strike. The decision to resume work follows a series of talks where the Transport Department addressed key demands regarding terminated and arrested personnel.
The strike had seen participation from thousands of workers across all major depots, leaving commuters dependent on private transport during a period of widespread road blockades. Union vice-president Harkesh Vicky mentioned that the drivers are already returning to their stations to ensure the fleet is ready for the morning commute.
“We are keeping a close watch. If the promises are not honoured, we will resume the strike,” Vicky noted while explaining the conditional suspension of the protest. He mentioned that the government has agreed to expedite the release of 10 workers arrested last December and to bring back staff dismissed earlier in November.
The suspension of the strike is expected to ease the heavy pressure on the state’s transportation network, which was further strained by the ‘Bharat Bandh’ demonstrations. Authorities mentioned that the compromise reached during the second round of discussions was aimed at minimizing further public inconvenience.
Department officials noted that the return of around 8,000 workers to their duties will allow all 27 depots in Punjab to function at regular capacity. The union stated that while the protest is currently on hold, they will continue to monitor the administration’s progress on the reinstatement process to ensure the agreement is fully executed.
