Bharat Bandh July 9, 2025: Nationwide Strike Disrupts Banking, Transport, Postal Services

A consortium of 10 central trade unions and their affiliates, representing over 25 crore workers, have called for a nationwide general strike to protest against the Central Government's

• Anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate policies
• Delays in holding labour conferences
• Implementation of new labour codes

Why the Protest

• Unions submitted a 17-point charter of demands last year to Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya
• They oppose the consolidation of 44 labour laws into 4 labour codes, claiming it weakens worker protections
• The government argues these reforms are for workers' benefit, but unions and Left parties disagree

What’s Affected

Disrupted Services

• Banking and insurance
• Postal services
• State transport
• Government departments and PSUs
• Coal mining and factory operations
• Train services, especially in West Bengal and Bihar

Partially Affected

• Public transport Some buses are running, but there are disruptions, especially in places like West Bengal and Odisha
• Traffic Blockades reported, especially in Kolkata, Jehanabad, and Bhubaneswar

Unaffected

• Emergency services Hospitals, police, fire departments – all functional
• Educational institutions Schools and colleges are open
• Private sector Offices are largely operational
• Metro and cab services Expected to run normally

Key Events Across States

• West Bengal Train tracks blocked, bus drivers wearing helmets for safety
• Odisha Highways blocked by protestors
• Kerala Shops closed in Kottayam KSRTC buses running as usual
• Bihar Train tracks blocked by student unions
• Kolkata Fires reported during protests Heavy police deployment in place