Bharat Bandh today: Will banks, transport, schools shut down? What’s open, what’s hit

The strike has been called in protest against what the unions describe as the Centre’s “anti-worker, anti-farmer and pro-corporate policies”.

The organisers claim the bandh could affect nearly 600 districts nationwide and see participation from around 30 crore workers.

Sectors Likely to Be Impacted

1. Public Transport

Bus services, taxis and state-run transport networks are expected to face disruptions in multiple states, with vehicles either off the roads or operating on curtailed schedules. Road blockades and protest marches may slow traffic in urban centres and on highways. Metro services are likely to run, but disruptions cannot be ruled out near protest sites or depending on local administrative decisions.

2. Banking and Financial Services

Public sector banks may witness significant disruption, including partial closures or reduced branch operations. In-person transactions and cheque clearances could be affected. However, ATMs and digital banking services are expected to function, though cash availability may vary in some areas.

3. Government Offices and Public Services

Attendance in government offices and administrative departments may be low, leading to delays or temporary suspension of services. Public sector undertakings and certain industrial units could also operate at reduced capacity.

4. Markets, Shops and Business Activity

Local markets and commercial establishments in protest-sensitive areas may remain closed for part or the entire day. Manufacturing and industrial operations in union-dominated regions could see partial work stoppages.

5. Schools and Colleges

There is no official nationwide holiday announcement. However, some educational institutions may remain closed as a precautionary measure or due to transport-related disruptions.

6. Transportation-Linked Services

Flight and train operations are scheduled to run as usual. However, access to airports and railway stations could be affected by road protests and local transport disruptions.

7. Essential and Exempt Services

Essential services are expected to remain operational. These include hospitals, ambulance and emergency medical services. Utilities such as electricity, water supply and fire services are also likely to function normally. Supply of daily essentials, including milk and medicines, along with airport operations and ATM services, are generally exempt from bandh calls.