Jaipur, February 24, 2026: Transport services across Rajasthan were severely disrupted after private bus operators launched an indefinite statewide strike starting midnight on February 23, protesting against recent enforcement actions and new regulations by the state Transport Department. The agitation has brought thousands of buses off the roads, leaving lakhs of passengers stranded and affecting travel across major routes.
According to operators’ associations, nearly 35,000 to 40,000 private buses, including sleeper, stage carriage, contract carriage, and tourist buses, have stopped operations as part of the protest. The strike is estimated to impact around 1.5 million passengers daily, especially those relying on intercity travel between cities such as Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Kota, Bikaner, and neighboring states like Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.
Reason Behind the Strike
Bus operators have alleged that the Transport Department is imposing strict and “unjust” enforcement measures, including heavy fines and penalties under new Motor Vehicle Act provisions and safety standards. Operators claim that even older buses are being penalized under new regulations, with fines reportedly reaching up to ₹1 lakh per vehicle in some cases.
They also alleged harassment during inspections, including stopping buses mid-journey and forcing passengers to disembark, causing inconvenience particularly during night travel. Associations have demanded that new safety norms and compliance standards be applied prospectively rather than retrospectively.
Booking Suspended, Services Halted
Operators had already suspended ticket bookings on online platforms between February 23 and February 28 in anticipation of the strike. The All Rajasthan Contract Carriage Bus Operators Association warned that any bookings made after the strike deadline would be the responsibility of the booking platforms themselves.
Government-Operator Talks Fail
The state government had invited representatives of bus operators for discussions ahead of the strike, but talks reportedly remained inconclusive. Fresh negotiations are expected as authorities attempt to resolve the dispute and restore services.
Commuters Face Hardship
With private buses off the roads, passengers have been forced to rely on limited alternatives such as trains and state-run buses. Many travelers, especially those with urgent plans or medical appointments, reported cancellations and delays. The absence of adequate alternative arrangements has further worsened the situation for commuters in rural and semi-urban areas.
Operators Warn of Continued Protest
Transport unions have stated that the strike will continue indefinitely until the government addresses their concerns regarding fines, regulatory enforcement, and operational policies.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, and further developments are expected depending on the outcome of upcoming negotiations between the government and transport associations.