Bhubaneswar – Normal life came to a grinding halt in the capital city as a 24-hour strike called by several central trade unions disrupted transportation and sparked mass protests. Demonstrators blocked key roads and railway tracks, demanding the government address a range of labor-related grievances.
Protests erupted at the Bhubaneswar railway station where union members organized a ‘rail roko’, while others gathered at the city’s main bus terminal, obstructing routes used by both ‘Ama Bus’ and private transport operators. The chaos extended to Master Canteen Chowk, leading to severe traffic snarls and leaving many commuters stranded.
The striking unions are opposing the implementation of the four new labour codes, denouncing the privatization of public sector undertakings, and demanding the removal of benefit caps under ESI, EPF, and gratuity. They also urged the government to control the soaring prices of essential commodities and raise the minimum wage to Rs26,000 per month.
With city services crippled, authorities are struggling to restore order, while union leaders say the agitation is a necessary step to protect workers’ rights and livelihoods.
