Bus services in the capital were disrupted today after more than 100 conductors of Ama Bus Service staged a protest at the Gadakana depot, halting the movement of 47 buses.
The agitation was directed against L&K Private Limited, the agency previously managing conductors under the Comprehensive Region Urban Transport (CRUT) framework. Protesters alleged that the company failed to return security deposits and did not deposit PF contributions deducted from their salaries.
Conductors claimed that L&K deducted Rs 1,000 per month for 10 months as security money and Rs 1,800 towards PF, but neither amount has been refunded even after the agency exited in January this year. Despite assurances in July and August to settle dues, payments remain pending.
The strike, which began at 4:15 am, continued for over six hours, leaving commuters stranded. Tension escalated when police and CRUT officials arrived to mediate, but discussions with the previous agency are still ongoing.
Protesting conductor Saroj Dalai said, “We will continue our protest until our money is refunded. More than 102 conductors are affected.”
Currently, conductors are working under Unity Security Force, with no disputes reported against the new agency. However, the standoff with L&K has triggered widespread disruption in city bus services.
