Rajasthan Private Bus Operators May Launch Strike on January 24 Amid Tensions with Government

Jaipur/Rajasthan: Tensions continue between private bus operators and the Rajasthan government, prompting operators to warn of a possible statewide strike. Private bus owners have indicated that they may halt operations starting 24 January, potentially causing major disruptions for millions of commuters.

Stalled Negotiations
On 20 January, a key meeting was held in Jaipur between bus operators and government officials, but no resolution was reached. A delegation of bus operators also met with Deputy Chief Minister Premchand Bairwa, yet the discussions failed to yield results. Following these unsuccessful talks, private bus operators have decided to take a firm stance against the government.

Threat of Statewide Chakka Jam
Operators have stated that if their demands are not addressed within a set timeframe, they may suspend the operations of all types of buses across the state, effectively triggering a statewide “chakka jam” (road blockade). This could cause severe inconvenience to commuters, particularly on 24 January.

Reasons for Operator Dissatisfaction
The unrest comes in the wake of recent bus accidents, after which the Rajasthan government has been enforcing strict measures against private bus operators, including heavy fines. Operators claim that implementing new regulations on thousands of buses simultaneously is impractical and have demanded at least three months to comply with necessary modifications. They argue that sudden enforcement has placed unnecessary pressure on bus owners.

Future Course of Action
During the meeting, operators agreed that if their demands remain unmet, they will intensify the movement against the transport department. While willing to comply with safety standards, the association maintains that imposing fines up to ₹2 lakh under the guise of modifications is unfair. Their primary demand is that buses targeted for enforcement be given adequate time for compliance.