Kerala private bus operators call off hunger strike; The government agrees to hire private buses with a crew

Private bus operators are staging a protest outside the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram. (Photo file) | Photo credit: The Hindu

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

Announcing the decisions taken in the meeting, Mr. John said that the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will operate the services using private buses on charter basis with crew. The move is aimed at addressing the ongoing crisis in the state’s private bus sector, he said.

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

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

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

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

Transport Department Secretary D. Balamurali, Transport Commissioner Sparjan Kumar and Federation officials Hamsa Erikkunnan, K. Sathyan, Palamuttathu Vijayakumar and MS Prekumar also attended the meeting.

Published – 30 Oct 2026 14:59 IST