Keralam private bus operators call off hunger strike; govt agrees to wet-lease private buses

Private bus operators stage a protest in front of the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram. (File photo)

Private bus operators in Keralam, who had been on an indefinite hunger strike since October 27 demanding measures to protect the private bus industry, called off their protest following conciliatory talks with Transport Minister C.P. John here on Friday (October 30, 2026).

Announcing the decisions taken at the meeting, Mr. John said the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) would operate services using privately owned buses taken on a wet-lease basis. The move is aimed at addressing the ongoing crisis in the State’s private bus sector, he said.

During discussions with representatives of the Kerala State Private Bus Operators’ Federation at Trans Bhavan in Vazhuthacaud, the Minister also assured them that steps would be taken to accord ‘industry status’ to the private bus transport sector in the State.

The Minister further said the recommendations of the Padmakumar Commission, including the proposal to extend the permissible operational lifespan of buses, would be implemented in accordance with the law. It was also agreed that existing technical hurdles preventing bus owners from legally transferring their service operations to other parties would be removed.

In addition, a permanent committee comprising representatives of bus owners’ associations would be constituted to address their concerns and ensure regular communication between the government and the private bus sector.

The hunger strike was organised to press for various demands, including measures to protect the private bus industry, which has been severely affected by the introduction of the KSRTC’s free travel scheme for women. The operators also sought the implementation of the Padmakumar Commission report and an increase in bus fares, including student concession fares.

Transport Department Secretary D. Balamurali, Transport Commissioner Sparjan Kumar, and Federation office-bearers Hamsa Erikkunnan, K. Sathyan, Palamuttathu Vijayakumar and M.S. Prekumar also attended the meeting.