Tamil Nadu private bus operators announce 24-hour strike

Private bus operators in Tamil Nadu have announced a 24-hour token strike beginning at midnight on September 29. The strike, which excludes Chennai, Madurai, Nagercoil, and Udhagamandalam, aims to address severe financial losses within the sector.

Federation of Bus Operators Association of Tamil Nadu President K. Thangaraj and Secretary D. R. Dharmaraj stated that the industry is operating at a loss of approximately 65 per cent. Operators cite rising diesel prices—increasing from INR 64 per litre in 2018 to over INR 100 per litre—and the rising cost of spare parts as primary drivers of the deficit. They are demanding an urgent revision of passenger fares, which have remained unchanged since 2018.

Additionally, operators are protesting the upcoming expansion of the state government’s free travel scheme for women and transgender individuals, known as ‘Vetri Payanam Thittam’. While state-run transport undertakings receive subsidies to implement the scheme, private operators are currently excluded from compensation. The federation has urged the government to include private buses in the program and provide a per-trip subsidy to ensure the sector remains viable.