Bharat Bandh Highlights: Protests break out in Chennai, Kolkata; trade union workers block roads, railway tracks

Vehicular movement in different parts of Odisha including in the capital city of Bhubaneswar has been affected on Wednesday due to strike by trade unions and drivers' associations.

A joint forum of 10 central trade unions has been staging a Bharat bandh, or a nationwide strike, since Wednesday morning in protest against the four labour codes, contractualisation, and privatisation of PSUs among others.

The forum of ten central trade unions and their associates, which include, All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), HMS, Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC), Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC), Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA), All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), Labour Progressive Federation (LPF) and United Trade Union Congress (UTUC) are participating in the nation-wide protest. (PTI)

Public transportation was disrupted in various parts of the country on Wednesday following the 'Bharat Bandh' protests, called by ten central trade unions, intensified.

In Odisha, members of the Khordha District unit of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) blocked the national highway at Bhubaneswar to support the 'Bharat Bandh'.

In Kerala, shops and shopping malls in Kottayam remain closed in support of the 'Bharat Bandh' called by 10 central trade unions.

Members of Biju Janata Dal's (RJD) students' wing blocked the train tracks at Jehanabad railway station in Bihar, supporting 'Bharat Bandh' called by a joint forum of 10 central trade unions and their affiliates.

In West Bengal, train services have been affected as protesters blocked tracks at various railway stations, including Jadavpur.

Bus drivers of the North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC) were seen wearing helmets on duty, a move initiated to ensure their safety.

The state-run public transport authority has distributed helmets to drivers operating on various routes, except in the Darjeeling Hills region.

Supporters of the strike, which began at 6 am, tried to block train movement at Diamond Harbour in the Sealdah South section and Shyamnagar in the North Section of Eastern Railways' Sealdah division.

They also tried to block roads in different parts of the state, including Jalpaiguri, Asansol and Bankura.

The police and administration in the state made elaborate security and transport arrangements to ensure normal life.

Police contingents were posted at important places to ensure the smooth movement of traffic.

Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) and several communities from rural areas, especially farmers, are set to be participate in the bandh today, with multiple services disrupted.

Emergency services, like hospitals, pharmacies, fire department and police stations, are set to remain operational throughout the day.

Kerala Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar said that state-run KSRTC buses would continue operating on Wednesday, despite central trade unions calling for a nationwide strike.

Speaking to reporters, the minister said the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) had not received any formal notice from trade unions indicating participation in the strike.

"There is no situation in KSRTC at present that warrants employees joining the agitation," he said.

"As far as KSRTC is concerned, employees are happy and content. The unions have not issued any notice. KSRTC buses will run as usual," he added. (PTI)