Office-bearers of the Kerala State Private Bus Operators Federation will launch an indefinite hunger strike in front of the Secretariat from October 27, demanding measures to protect the private bus sector, which they claim has been adversely affected by the State government’s Priyadarshini free-ride scheme. The decision to hold the hunger strike was announced following a march to the Secretariat, organised here on Wednesday, raising various demands.
Hundreds of bus owners, including women, participated in the march, which began at the Martyrs’ Column (Rakthasakshi Mandapam). The protest meeting, presided over by State president K.K. Thomas, was inaugurated by Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi State president Raju Apsara. District presidents and secretaries of the federation from various districts led the march and demonstration.
Federation president K.K. Thomas and vice-president Saranya Manoj will undertake the indefinite fast. The demands of the private bus operators include protecting the private bus industry hit by the ‘Priyadarshini’ scheme, increasing bus fares, including the revision of student concession, and implementation of the recommendations submitted to the government by the expert committee led by Padmakumar IPS.
As part of registering their protest, bus owners took out a march and staged a protest demonstration at the Secretariat.
Published - October 14, 2026 06:56 pm IST