Bharat Bandh today: What’s disrupted, what’s open? All you need to know before stepping out

Trade unions and farmers’ groups have called a 24-hour strike; disruption is uneven, but public transport and local markets could take the biggest hit in several states.

• Nationwide services disrupted by Bharat Bandh called by trade unions, farmers' groups
• Public transport, markets, shops to close in Odisha, Assam, Kerala, Punjab
• Hospitals, banks, and government offices mostly stay open.

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A joint forum of central trade unions is observing a nationwide strike on February 12, calling for a 'Bharat Bandh' today to protest the recently announced India–US trade agreement. The unions have accused the BJP-led Centre of “surrendering before the shrewdness of the US” and said the shutdown will disrupt work and services in over 600 districts across the country.

The bandh call has been issued by 10 central trade unions: INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF and UTUC.

Organisers claim that nearly 30 crore workers could participate, making it one of the largest coordinated strike actions in recent years.

Here’s a clear, state-by-state and service-by-service breakdown of what this means for you.

What is happening today?

The strike began at 6 am and is expected to continue through the day. Protest actions include:

• Road blockades and highway picketing
• 'Rail roko' (railway obstruction) protests in select states
• Closure of markets and shops in areas with strong union backing
• Reduced public transport services

The most severe disruptions are expected in Odisha and Assam, with significant impact also reported or anticipated in Kerala, West Bengal and Punjab.

There is no nationwide government order declaring a public holiday.

What remains open?

Despite the bandh call, there is no blanket closure across India.

• Banks: Most bank branches are open. There is no RBI-declared holiday. However, many branches may function with skeletal staff, leading to delays.
• Government offices: Largely open, though attendance may be thin in strike-heavy states.
• Essential services: Hospitals, ambulances, pharmacies, electricity, water supply and fuel services are operating normally.
• Flights and long-distance trains: Not officially cancelled. However, reaching airports and stations could be difficult due to traffic disruptions.

What is likely to be disrupted?

Public transport: State-run buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws are the most affected.

• In Kerala, KSRTC buses and many private buses are off the roads.
• In Odisha and Assam, bus services are heavily curtailed.
• In West Bengal and Punjab, disruptions are likely in state-run transport.
• City transport in Bengaluru may run at reduced frequency.
• Metro rail services are not officially shut, but some cities may see lighter or irregular services depending on local participation.

Road travel: Expect traffic snarls in protest-heavy zones. Road blockades and demonstrations have been reported in parts of Odisha, Assam and Kerala. Highways in Punjab and eastern India may see intermittent disruptions.

Markets and shops: Local markets and small businesses in union-dominated areas are likely to remain shut. Larger malls and corporate establishments are functioning in many states, but footfall may be low.

State-wise impact

Odisha: The state has issued alerts ahead of the bandh. A near-total shutdown is expected in several districts. Rail blockades and highway pickets are planned. Public buses are likely suspended. Government offices and PSU units may operate with limited staff. Banks are open but with minimal workforce.

Bandh hours in Odisha are expected to run from 6 am to 6 pm.

Travel on major highways should be avoided unless essential.

Assam: Reports indicate a near-complete shutdown in many districts. Public buses and autos may be off the roads in urban and semi-urban areas. Markets could remain closed where unions are strong. Government offices may see low attendance.

Those travelling within the state should expect delays and plan accordingly.

Kerala: Kerala is witnessing one of the strongest responses.

State-run KSRTC buses and many private transport operators are participating. Shops and several private establishments are shut in solidarity. Some colleges have suspended classes. The state has invoked a “no work, no pay” policy for absentee government employees.

Hospitals and essential services continue to function normally.

West Bengal: Union support is strong. Public-sector bank branches may be affected in some areas. State-run buses and suburban trains may operate with limited schedules. Markets in Kolkata and other cities could see partial closures.

Schools are open unless locally directed otherwise.

Karnataka (Bengaluru): Schools are officially permitted to remain open. However, some disruptions may occur due to participation by mid-day meal workers and transport staff.

KSRTC and BMTC bus services may run at reduced capacity. Banks could function with limited staff. Traffic congestion is expected near protest sites.

Tamil Nadu (Chennai): The state government has instructed employees to report to work under a “no work, no pay” directive. As a result, disruption is expected to be minimal.

Schools, colleges and public offices are functioning normally. Public transport services are largely operational, though local protests may cause minor delays.

Punjab: The ruling AAP has expressed support for the bandh. Participation is expected to be high in cities such as Chandigarh, Amritsar and Ludhiana.

Bus services and taxis may face disruptions if local unions join. Shops in major towns may close in solidarity. No official school holiday has been declared.

What about Delhi, Maharashtra, UP and others?

In most other states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, there is no official closure order. Schools and offices remain open unless local authorities decide otherwise.

Transport disruption will depend on local union participation rather than any state directive.

Reasons for the strike

Trade unions say the February 12 nationwide strike is aimed at pushing back against what they describe as policy moves that weaken worker protections and dilute welfare safeguards, alongside concerns flagged by farmers’ groups over the India–US interim trade framework.

Key demands include:

Withdrawal of the four labour codes: Unions argue the codes reduce job security and dilute collective bargaining safeguards.

Restoration of MGNREGS: The unions want stronger funding and implementation of the rural jobs scheme, which they say acts as a safety net when incomes and employment are under pressure.

Rollback of policies perceived to weaken civil services: They allege changes in service rules and administrative reforms could undermine job protections and the neutrality of the civil services.

Restoration of the old pension scheme: A return to the earlier defined-benefit pension structure remains a central demand, especially among government employees.

Withdrawal of NEP 2020: Union groups and allied organisations claim the education policy could deepen inequities and alter recruitment and employment structures in the education ecosystem.

Farmers’ groups add a trade angle: Bodies such as the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) have also objected to the India–US interim trade framework, alleging it could hurt Indian farmers by increasing competitive pressure and affecting domestic agriculture safeguards.