Bharat Bandh on July 9: Bengaluru Braces for Disruptions Across Sectors
Image used for representational purposees only - (File Photo | Thetrendingpeople)
BENGALURU | July 8, 2025 — Bengaluru, India's tech and startup capital, is expected to face widespread disruptions on Wednesday, July 9, as over 25 crore workers across the country prepare to participate in a nationwide strike, popularly known as Bharat Bandh.
The strike has been called by a forum of 10 central trade unions and their affiliated bodies to protest against what they term the government’s anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate policies.
With Bengaluru being a key hub for both public services and private industry, disruptions are expected in banking, insurance, postal services, transportation, and potentially in IT and logistics operations.
Banking and Insurance Services Likely to be Affected
Several major banking unions, including the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) and the Bengal Provincial Bank Employees Association, have extended support to the strike.
What this means for you:
- Bank branches may remain shut or operate with limited staff
- Services like cheque clearance, loan processing, and customer assistance may face delays
- Insurance sector employees are also expected to participate, which could affect policy issuance, claims processing, and customer service
Postal and Government Offices to Experience Slowdowns
The postal department is also joining the strike, potentially affecting:
- Mail and parcel deliveries
- Speed post and registered mail services
- General functioning of post offices
Though government offices will remain open, many departments could face staff shortages, resulting in longer waiting times and delays in processing official work.
Public Transport, Coal, and Power Workers Join the Bandh
While the BMTC (Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation) and KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) haven’t officially declared suspension of services, unions in these sectors are keeping their options open.
Commuters are advised to:
- Avoid unnecessary travel
- Plan alternative transport in case of bus cancellations or delays
Workers from coal and power sectors, including 27 lakh electricity workers, have also pledged participation. Although a total blackout is unlikely, minor power supply disruptions may occur in some areas.
Schools and Colleges to Remain Open — But Expect Low Attendance
The Karnataka government has not announced a holiday for educational institutions. Schools and colleges are expected to remain open, but:
- Attendance may be low due to transport difficulties
- Some parents may choose to keep children home due to safety concerns
IT Companies and Private Firms on Alert
Bengaluru's IT sector and startups are closely monitoring the situation. Many companies are expected to:
- Allow employees to work from home
- Minimize staff travel on the day of the bandh
- Prepare for service delays in deliveries and logistics
App-based delivery platforms (e.g., Swiggy, Zomato, Dunzo, and Blinkit) may experience delays or order cancellations if protests block roads or restrict vehicle movement.
Why Are Workers Protesting?
The Bharat Bandh has been called to protest several government decisions affecting labor and welfare policies. According to the joint forum of trade unions:
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The government has not held the annual labor conference in over a decade
It is attempting to impose four new labor codes, which unions allege will:
- Weaken collective bargaining rights
- Restrict union activities
- Favor corporate employers in the name of “ease of doing business”
- Welfare policies are being diluted to benefit foreign and Indian corporates
- There is a failure to protect the interests of workers, farmers, and marginalized communities
The unions claim that the government is abandoning the welfare state in favor of a pro-corporate development model, impacting millions of workers across sectors.
Which Services Might Be Disrupted in Bengaluru on July 9?
| Sector | Expected Status |
|---|---|
| Banks | Limited services, potential branch closures |
| Insurance | Disruption in policy and claims support |
| Postal Services | Delays in mail and parcel deliveries |
| Public Transport | Possible delays or cancellations (BMTC, KSRTC) |
| Schools/Colleges | Open, but with lower attendance |
| Power Supply | Minor disruptions possible, full outage unlikely |
| IT/Corporate | Most firms expected to allow work-from-home |
| E-commerce/Delivery | Service delays possible in parts of the city |
Security Measures in Place
The Bengaluru Police and Karnataka State Administration are monitoring the situation and are expected to deploy additional forces in sensitive zones to maintain law and order.
Protest marches, road blockades, or sit-ins may be observed in areas like:
- Majestic
- Town Hall
- Vidhana Soudha
- Whitefield and Electronic City (key IT corridors)
Residents are advised to avoid large gatherings and follow official traffic advisories for Wednesday.
Reader Takeaway
If you're in Bengaluru, brace for potential service disruptions on July 9 due to Bharat Bandh. Whether it’s your bank visit, commute to work, or delivery orders, it’s best to plan ahead, stay updated through official channels, and avoid non-essential movement. The strike, backed by major trade unions, signals a strong resistance to labor law changes and reflects growing unrest among the country’s working class.