A nationwide Bharat Bandh has been called for today, 9 July 2025, by a coalition of 10 major central trade unions protesting against the central government’s alleged anti-labour, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate policies. This strike is expected to significantly impact daily life in Bengaluru, along with several other cities across India.
The unions allege that the Centre is undermining worker rights, ignoring their concerns over the four controversial labour codes, and not conducting the Indian Labour Conference for a decade. As a result, essential sectors such as banking, postal services, coal, and electricity are expected to be partially disrupted.
Bengaluru Traffic Advisory: What Commuters Must Know
The Bengaluru Police have issued a traffic advisory ahead of the protest at Freedom Park, where around 4,000–5,000 protestors are expected to gather today. Heavy congestion is likely on major roads leading to:
- Freedom Park
- Majestic
- Seshadri Road
- Race Course Road
- Anand Rao Circle
Alternate Routes Suggested:
- Use Outer Ring Road for long-distance travel
- Avoid Seshadri Road, K.R. Circle, and Majestic between 10 am to 4 pm
- Use Nrupathunga Road and Sheshadri Road bypasses if possible
Police presence has been ramped up, and barricades have been deployed to manage traffic. Commuters are advised to use Namma Metro or cab services as they are expected to run normally.
What Services Will Be Affected in Bharat Bandh Today?
The strike’s impact will be felt in key public sectors. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Sectors Affected:
- Banking Services: Major public and private sector bank branches may see partial shutdown or work slowdowns.
- Postal Services: India Post services could experience delays.
- Public Transport: BMTC and KSRTC have not announced complete shutdowns but possible disruptions and delays are expected.
- Electricity & Coal: Over 27 lakh power sector employees are participating; minor outages are possible, though major power cuts are unlikely.
- PSUs & Government Departments: Many staff members from public sector units and government offices are on strike.
Sectors Not Affected:
- Hospitals and Emergency Services: Will operate normally.
- Private Offices: Expected to function without disruption.
- Schools and Colleges: No closure announced.
- Metro Rail & Cab Services: Namma Metro and Ola/Uber services will continue operations.
Why Are Trade Unions Protesting?
This Bharat Bandh is not a spontaneous protest but a coordinated action by a wide coalition of trade unions, including:
- Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC)
- All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC)
- Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS)
- Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU)
- All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC)
- Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)
- Labour Progressive Federation (LPF)
- United Trade Union Congress (UTUC)
- Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC)
- All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU)
They allege the government is:
- Weakening collective bargaining power
- Imposing four labour codes without proper consultation
- Favouring large corporations under the guise of “Ease of Doing Business”
- Ignoring long-standing demands for pension, job security, and minimum wage reforms
- Sidestepping the Indian Labour Conference (last held in 2015)
What Are the Four Labour Codes?
The government has consolidated 29 existing labour laws into four codes:
- Code on Wages
- Industrial Relations Code
- Social Security Code
- Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code
While the Centre claims these reforms simplify and modernize labour laws, unions argue they favour employers, dilute workers’ rights, and limit union representation and negotiation power.
National Impact Beyond Bengaluru
Although the most visible protests are in Bengaluru’s Freedom Park, other cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Chennai are also witnessing demonstrations. In West Bengal, CITU and AITUC are leading state-wide rallies. In Kerala, some transport and government services have declared limited participation in solidarity.
Rail Roko (train blockades), traffic marches, and dharnas are expected throughout the day.
What You Should Do Today (9 July):
- ✅ If you’re in Bengaluru, plan travel early and avoid protest zones.
- ✅ Prefer metro/cab travel over buses.
- ✅ Expect bank/postal delays if you have urgent tasks.
- ✅ Follow updates from Bengaluru Police and local media.
- ✅ Keep emergency numbers handy.
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