Bengaluru is expected to witness widespread traffic disruptions today as thousands of protestors gather at Freedom Park for the Bharat Bandh called by a coalition of ten central trade unions. The city police have issued a traffic advisory warning commuters to avoid the Freedom Park area and opt for alternative routes, anticipating congestion due to the protest.According to the Upparpet traffic police, an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 people are likely to assemble at Freedom Park throughout the day. The advisory, shared via social media, urged the public to cooperate and steer clear of the protest zone. “Due to traffic congestion around Freedom Park, the public has been advised to take alternative routes @blrcitytraffic” the post read.The nationwide strike, dubbed Bharat Bandh, has been organised to protest against what the unions describe as the central government’s “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate” policies. The striking organisations include ten major trade unions such as INTUC, AITUC, CITU, HMS, SEWA, and others, representing a wide cross-section of the country’s workforce.Read more: Spiti Valley gets stargazing boost: Himachal CM launches astro-tourism in Kaza to support tribal entrepreneursIn Bengaluru, the bandh is expected to impact several key sectors including banking, postal services, insurance, state-run transport, and coal and power sectors. More than 27 lakh electricity workers have pledged support to the strike, although complete power outages are not anticipated. However, minor disruptions cannot be ruled out.Despite the protest, educational institutions and private sector offices are expected to function normally. Emergency services, including hospitals, fire departments, and police stations, will also remain open. Public transport may be partially affected, especially BMTC and KSRTC bus services, although both have not announced a formal halt. Cab services and the metro are expected to operate as usual, but delays may occur due to traffic diversions.Read more: Will Noida International Airport finally take off in 2025? 5 key questions answeredThe protest stems from a range of grievances put forth by the participating unions. Chief among them is opposition to the central government’s push for four new labour codes, which the unions allege weaken workers’ rights, dilute the power of unions, and ease employer regulations under the guise of business reform. The unions also criticised the government for not holding the annual labour conference in the past decade.Authorities have deployed additional police personnel in and around Freedom Park and other sensitive locations across the city to manage crowds and maintain law and order. Commuters are advised to plan ahead and avoid central routes to prevent delays.
