Private bus owners’ hunger strike in Keralam to enter 4th day on Oct. 30; agitation to expand to other districts

The indefinite hunger strike launched by the Kerala Bus Operators’ Federation demanding the protection of the private bus industry, which, according to them, has been hit by the free travel scheme introduced by the State government for women and transgender persons on KSRTC buses, will enter its fourth day on Friday (October 30, 2026).

The State committee has decided to extend the agitation to various districts in protest against the government’s refusal to initiate discussions with the bus operators, even as the hunger strike led by the federation’s State president K.K. Thomas and vice-president Saranya Manoj enters its fourth day.

The hunger strike is being held to press for several demands, including the protection of the private bus industry impacted by the KSRTC free travel scheme, the implementation of the Padmakumar Commission report, and an increase in bus fares, including those for students.