Bharat Bandh: Normal life hit in Kerala’s Ernakulam district

Normal life was hit in Ernakulam of Kerala on Wednesday (July 9, 2025) following the nationwide general strike by the combine of trade unions.

Shops and commercial establishments remained closed in the district. Public transport was also affected as private buses stayed off the roads. No untoward incidents were reported in the district so far.

Efforts by a section of the employees of Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), who were not participating in the strike, to operate services from the Ernakulam depot failed following opposition from those supporting the protest.

The supporters of the strike blocked a low-floor bus to Kozhikode. The driver and conductor of the bus said that they were ready to operate the service, if the authorities had ensured adequate police protection. There were six reservations from Nedumbassery and we informed the passengers about the protest, they said.

Police personnel, who were posted at the site, said that they had not received any instruction from the authorities of the bus depot to provide protection.

A few autorickshaws were seen plying within the Kochi city limits. However, drivers pointed out there were only a few commuters on the roads. People were seen mostly moving in two-wheelers in the morning as public transport was hit as the private buses stayed off the roads.

Metro services operate

The Kochi Metro operated the services as usual, though the number of passengers was low compared to the normal days, according to the Kochi Metro Rail Ltd.