Tue Jul 08 13:38:21 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

A state-wide token strike by private bus owners in Kerala, India, caused significant disruption to daily commuters in Ernakulam district on July 8, 2025. Approximately 1,300 private buses stayed off the roads, leaving many to rely on the limited services of the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and the Kochi metro. The bus owners are protesting for the renewal of expired permits, revision of student concession rates, and against other government directives. They have warned of an indefinite strike starting July 22 if their demands are not met.

**News Article:**

**Kerala Bus Strike Cripples Ernakulam Commute**

**KOCHI, INDIA – July 8, 2025** – Commuters in Ernakulam district of Kerala faced major disruptions Tuesday as a state-wide strike by private bus owners brought the city’s public transport system to a near standstill. The strike, organized by the joint committee of private bus owners, saw an estimated 1,300 buses remain off the roads, leaving many stranded or relying on overcrowded alternatives.

The strike is a protest against long-standing grievances, including delays in permit renewals and the current student concession rates. According to T. Gopinathan, general convener of the joint committee, the entire private bus fleet remained inactive throughout the day.

The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) attempted to alleviate the situation by deploying 25 additional buses from the Ernakulam depot, primarily along routes to Kottayam, Paravur, Piravom, and Cherthala. The Kochi metro also saw increased ridership as commuters sought alternative transportation between Aluva, M.G. Road, Vyttila, and Thripunithura. However, those traveling on routes not serviced by the metro faced significant challenges.

The bus owners have threatened a larger, indefinite strike starting July 22 if the government fails to address their demands, which also include the withdrawal of directives concerning limited-stop services and the requirement for police clearance certificates for bus workers. The nationwide general strike called by various trade unions is expected to further disrupt bus services tomorrow.

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