Bharat BandhMajor Disruptions Across India as 30 Crore Workers Join Strike

Published on: February 15, 2026

Bharat BandhMajor Disruptions Across India as 30 Crore Workers Join Strike

Bharat Bandh 2026 Nationwide Impact & Key Demands

On 12 February 2026, India witnessed a massive Bharat Bandh, with trade unions reporting participation of nearly 30 crore workers. The nationwide strike was called to protest the new labor codes, the India‑US trade agreement, and other government policies perceived to undermine workers’ rights.

Major trade unions, including INTUC, AITUC, CITU, and HMS, accused the government of weakening labor protections, reducing job security, and favoring corporations. Farmers’ organizations and student groups also supported the strike, highlighting widespread discontent.

Key impacts

● Banking services : Many bank employees joined the strike, leading to reduced functioning of branches and delays in transactions.Transport: Road transport services were disrupted, with reports of road blockades and limited bus and auto availability in several regions.

● Government offices & industries : Offices and factories in multiple districts reported slow operations, affecting administrative and industrial activities.

States including Odisha, Assam, Kerala, and West Bengal saw significant effects on daily life, with markets, some government services, and local industries running at reduced capacity.

● Essential services remained functional : Hospitals, emergency services, airports, and medical facilities continued to operate without disruption. Some private offices and markets also remained open.

The impact varied across regions — while certain areas experienced major disruptions, others had a comparatively low response. Authorities advised citizens to plan travel and banking activities in advance. The Bharat Bandh underscores the growing tension between labor unions and the government over recent policy changes. It also highlights the scale at which workers can mobilize, affecting the economy and everyday life across the country.

Nationwide Strike Shuts Down India: 30 Crore Workers Participate

● On 12 February 2026, India witnessed a historic Bharat Bandh, with nearly 30 crore workers participating across the country. It is being called one of the largest labor mobilizations in India’s recent history.

● The strike was primarily called to protest new labor codes, along with government policies and trade agreements perceived to favor corporations over employees and weaken workers’ rights.

● Major trade unions such as INTUC, AITUC, CITU, and HMS led the strike. They claimed that the labor reforms reduce job security, weaken union powers, and threaten workers’ welfare. Farmers’ groups, students, and other civil society organizations also supported the bandh, reflecting broad-based dissatisfaction.

● Banking sector impact : Many bank employees joined the strike, resulting in reduced branch operations, delayed transactions, and limited customer services across cities.

● Transport disruption : Road and rail services were affected in many states. Reports included road blockades, halted buses, limited taxi and auto services, and delays in intercity travel.

● Government offices and industries : Administrative work slowed in several regions, while factories and industrial hubs reported decreased production due to employee participation.

● Essential services remained functional : Hospitals, emergency services, airports, and critical medical facilities operated without interruption. Some private offices and shops continued functioning, although attendance was lower than usual.

● Regional variations : States like Kerala, Odisha, and West Bengal experienced higher disruption levels, while other regions reported minimal effects.

Authorities urged citizens to plan ahead for travel, banking, and daily activities, emphasizing safety and preparedness during the strike. This nationwide protest highlights the influence of organized labor in India and the ability of workers to coordinate action on an unprecedented scale. It also reflects growing tensions between labor groups and government policy, underlining the critical role of workers in the country’s economy.

Reasons Behind the Bharat Bandh: Labor Codes and Government Policies Under Protest

The massive Bharat Bandh on 12 February 2026 was primarily driven by opposition to the government’s new labor codes and related policies, which labor unions argue threaten workers’ rights and job security. Nearly 30 crore workers participated, making it one of the largest organized strikes in India in recent decades.

The central issue is the implementation of the four new labor codes, which cover wages, industrial relations, social security, and occupational safety. Trade unions claim these reforms favor large corporations while reducing protections for employees. They argue that the codes make it easier for companies to hire and fire workers, weaken union powers, and limit collective bargaining rights.

In addition to labor laws, unions are protesting government policies affecting trade, privatization, and economic reforms. Many believe that certain trade agreements, including those with international partners, could impact local jobs and reduce employment opportunities in traditional sectors. Farmers’ groups and student organizations have also voiced concerns about policies that affect agricultural labor and youth employment.

The strike highlights widespread frustration among workers over stagnant wages, poor working conditions, and limited job security. Labor leaders stress that the Bharat Bandh is not just about protesting legislation but also about safeguarding workers’ livelihoods and ensuring fair treatment.Regional unions organized rallies, road blockades, and public demonstrations to emphasize the scale of discontent. States such as Kerala, West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam witnessed large-scale participation, while essential services remained operational to prevent life-threatening disruptions.The Bharat Bandh underscores the critical role of organized labor in India and the tensions between government policy and workers’ welfare. By protesting the labor codes and related policies, unions aim to push for amendments that balance economic reforms with the rights and security of India’s workforce.

Banks, Transport, and Industries Face Major Disruptions

On 12 February 2026, the nationwide Bharat Bandh caused widespread disruptions across banks, transport services, and industrial operations.

● Banking sector :

○ Many bank employees participated in the strike.

○ Branch operations slowed, ATMs faced cash shortages, and online transactions experienced minor delays.

○ Customers were advised to plan banking activities in advance.

● Transport sector :

○ Road transport was heavily affected, with reports of bus and auto-rickshaw shortages in multiple states.

○ Some highways saw road blockades, causing traffic jams and travel delays.

○ Rail services reported partial delays in certain regions, affecting intercity travel.

● Industrial Sector :

○ Factories and manufacturing units experienced lower workforce attendance.

○ Production schedules in key industrial hubs were disrupted.

○ Some small-scale businesses and offices had to close temporarily due to employee participation.

● Other States Condition :

○ States like Kerala, Odisha, West Bengal, and Assam saw major disruptions.

○ Other regions reported minimal impact, with essential services continuing normally.

Authorities urged citizens to plan travel and work schedules carefully and warned of temporary delays in services due to the strike.The disruptions highlight the scale of worker participation and the significant influence of labor unions in India.

Essential Services Remain Operational Amid the Strike

Despite the massive participation in the Bharat Bandh on 12 February 2026, essential services continued to operate to ensure public safety and basic needs. Hospitals, emergency medical services, and healthcare facilities remained fully functional, handling critical cases without disruption.

Airports and aviation services maintained normal operations, with flights operating on schedule, while security personnel ensured smooth functioning. Police and emergency responders were on high alert to manage crowds, traffic, and any potential disturbances.Some utilities and essential government services, including water supply, electricity, and sanitation, continued to function with minimal interruption. Private hospitals and pharmacies also remained open to meet urgent healthcare requirements.

Authorities emphasized the importance of public cooperation and advised citizens to rely on operational services for emergencies. While the strike impacted banking, transport, and industries, the uninterrupted functioning of essential services helped reduce overall inconvenience and maintained critical daily operations across India.

Regional Variations: States Like Kerala, Odisha, and West Bengal Most Affected

The Bharat Bandh on 12 February 2026 did not impact all regions of India equally. While the strike saw massive participation nationwide, certain states experienced more severe disruptions than others.Kerala, Odisha, and West Bengal emerged as the most affected states. In these regions, public transport was significantly curtailed, with buses, autos, and local trains operating at reduced capacity. Road blockades and rallies caused traffic congestion in major cities and towns, disrupting daily commuting and business activities.

Industrial hubs in these states reported reduced workforce attendance, leading to delays in production schedules and temporary closure of some factories. Banking operations in affected cities slowed due to employee participation, and some branches temporarily shut down.Other states, including parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, witnessed moderate impact, with essential services and private offices largely operational. Rural areas in many regions saw lower participation, resulting in minimal disruptions.

Authorities urged citizens in heavily affected states to plan travel and banking in advance and avoid non-essential movement. The regional variations underscore how labor participation, local union strength, and urban concentration influence the intensity of nationwide strikes.