Kerala Private Bus Operators Call Off Hunger Strike After Talks With Government

Private bus operators in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, ended their indefinite hunger strike on Friday, October 30, 2026, following discussions with Transport Minister C.P. John. The protest, which began on October 27, was called off after the government agreed to consider several key demands aimed at supporting the private bus sector.

According to reports published on October 30, 2026, the agitation was organized by the Kerala State Private Bus Operators’ Federation. Operators had launched the strike to press for measures to protect the industry, which they reported was affected by the KSRTC free travel scheme for women, and to demand the implementation of the Padmakumar Commission report alongside fare adjustments.

Key Outcomes of the Ministerial Meeting

• Wet-Lease Arrangement: Transport Minister C.P. John announced that the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) would operate services using privately owned buses on a wet-lease basis.
• Industry Status: The Minister assured representatives that steps would be taken to grant 'industry status' to the State's private bus transport sector.
• Commission Recommendations: It was reported that the recommendations of the Padmakumar Commission, including extending the operational lifespan of buses, would be implemented according to the law.
• Transfer Hurdles and Permanent Committee: The government agreed to remove technical hurdles preventing the legal transfer of service operations and decided to form a permanent committee comprising bus owners' association representatives for ongoing communication.

Officials and Participants

The discussions at Trans Bhavan in Vazhuthacaud were attended by Transport Department Secretary D. Balamurali, Transport Commissioner Sparjan Kumar, and federation office-bearers including Hamsa Erikkunnan, K. Sathyan, Palamuttathu Vijayakumar, and M.S. Prekumar. Members of the public and stakeholders can verify official announcements through the Kerala Transport Department or subsequent government press releases.