India witnessed a massive Bharat Bandh on July 9, 2025, as over 25 crore (250 million) workers from various sectors across the country joined the nationwide strike. Organized by major trade unions and farmer organizations, the protest aimed to raise concerns over new labour laws, privatization, and alleged anti-worker policies.
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What’s Closed Today
- Banks & Insurance Services: Most public sector banks, insurance offices, and cooperative financial institutions remained shut. Services like cheque clearances and ATM support were delayed.
- Public Transport: Government-run buses and taxis faced partial or complete shutdowns in multiple cities.
- Post Offices & Government Utilities: Postal services and many state-owned utility offices were non-operational or severely understaffed.
- Coal Mines & Factories: Industrial activity in several coal-rich regions was halted due to worker participation.
- Electricity Services: Over 27 lakh electricity department employees joined the strike, leading to potential localized power outages.
- Government Offices: Attendance in various central and state government departments remained low.
What’s Open and Functional
- Schools & Colleges: No official closures were announced. Educational institutions mostly remained open.
- Private Companies: Corporate offices and private businesses operated normally, although some allowed work-from-home due to travel disruptions.
- Healthcare Services: Hospitals, clinics, and emergency services functioned as usual.
Transportation Status
- Trains: While there was no central railway strike, local train services in some areas were delayed due to protests and blockades near tracks.
- Roadways: Many cities experienced traffic congestion and route diversions due to large-scale rallies and roadblocks.
- Metro Services: Metro services in major cities remained operational with heightened security.
Why Bharat Bandh Was Called
- The implementation of new labour codes.
- Growing privatization in public sector units.
- Lack of social security for workers in the unorganized sector.
- Alleged neglect of farmers’ and laborers’ demands.
