Odisha Drivers Strike and Bharat Bandh: Major Disruptions Expected on July 9
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| Odisha Bus Drivers Strike and Bharat Bandh |
India is gearing up for one of the biggest worker protests in recent years, as two major events are set to disrupt daily life—Odisha's indefinite bus and truck drivers' strike, and the nationwide Bharat Bandh on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Both movements are rooted in long-standing grievances over workers’ rights, safety, and fair treatment.
Odisha Drivers Begin Indefinite Strike
On July 8, drivers across Odisha began an indefinite “steering down” strike, heavily affecting the state’s public and goods transportation. The protest is led by the Odisha Drivers’ Mahasangha, which represents lakhs of bus, truck, and commercial vehicle drivers. This massive strike has come in response to the government’s inaction on a six-point demand list, which they claim has been ignored for too long.
More than five lakh drivers are taking part in the strike. Although ambulance and school bus services are exempted, most other forms of public and goods transport have come to a halt, causing major inconvenience to daily passengers, traders, and tourists.
Drivers’ Six Major Demands:
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Pension scheme for drivers above 60 years.
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Inclusion of auto drivers in the Drivers' Welfare Board.
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Mandatory parking zones every 100 km across the state.
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Strict laws for protection of drivers from public harassment.
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Restrooms and toilets at regular intervals along highways.
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70% reservation of driving jobs in mining and industrial sectors for local Odisha drivers.
In addition, the drivers are requesting that September 1 be declared National Drivers’ Day, to honour their role in maintaining the flow of goods and people across the country.
The drivers’ union said that they had already warned the government a month in advance about the planned protest. Despite this, no effective dialogue or assurance was provided, leading them to go ahead with the strike.
Impact on Common People
The strike has left many passengers stranded and frustrated. People who were travelling for work, pilgrimage, or events have had to make alternate travel arrangements, often at a much higher cost.
A passenger from Balangir heading to Puri’s Pallishree Mela shared, “We hired a private vehicle at night to reach Bhubaneswar, but now we are stuck. We loaded our luggage, but the strike was announced late at night. This delay has cost us a lot.”
Another specially-abled passenger at Baramunda Bus Stand in Bhubaneswar said, “We were told that buses would run. Later, we were asked to unload everything and wait without any clarity.”
Tourists from other states, including a woman who had come from Delhi to Udaygiri, also expressed concern and urged the government to look into the drivers’ demands.
The Odisha Drivers’ Mahasangha said they understand the inconvenience caused, but stressed that their strike is for dignity, rights, and safety. However, the Transport Workers’ Union has criticised the strike, accusing the Mahasangha of acting with "vested interests," showing that not all drivers are united on the protest.
Bharat Bandh on July 9: Nationwide Protest by 25 Crore Workers
Adding to the disruption, a massive nationwide strike is scheduled for July 9 under the banner of Bharat Bandh. The protest is being led by ten central trade unions, including AITUC and Hind Mazdoor Sabha, with support from various agricultural and rural organisations like the Samyukta Kisan Morcha.
More than 25 crore workers from across India are expected to participate, voicing opposition to the government’s “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate” policies.
The unions are protesting against:
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The four new labour codes that they believe will hurt job security and workers’ rights.
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The government's continued push for privatisation.
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Ignoring a 17-point demand charter submitted last year.
The strike is expected to affect several sectors including:
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Banking and financial services
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Postal services
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Coal mining and industrial work
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Public transportation (buses, autos, trains may be disrupted)
Although school closures have not been announced, cities may witness large rallies, road blockades, and slow movement of public services. Authorities are on high alert to manage crowds and ensure essential services are not affected.
What You Need to Know if You’re in Odisha or Traveling on July 9
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Avoid unnecessary travel within Odisha or across states, unless you have a private vehicle.
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Plan for delays in bus and truck services, and possibly trains and banking services too.
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Carry extra food, water, and essential items if you’re travelling.
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Be cautious around large protests or road blockades.
Final Thoughts
The twin strikes—one local and one national—reflect deep dissatisfaction among workers and drivers across India. From poor working conditions to lack of job security, these protests have raised serious questions about how labour is being treated in today’s economic policies.
While the strikes are creating discomfort for ordinary citizens, they are also highlighting real challenges faced by drivers, workers, and farmers. It remains to be seen whether the state and central governments will listen and take constructive action, or allow the unrest to continue.
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