Bhubaneswar, February 12: A 12-hour nationwide strike organized by 10 major trade unions has caused widespread disruptions in Odisha, with protests and demonstrations taking place throughout the state. The strike, supported by Congress and the Biju Shramik Samukhya, has led to severe disruptions to transportation and daily activities across multiple districts.
Protesters took to the streets, blocking roads and shutting down markets, bringing routine life to a halt. The bandh was felt most strongly in urban centers, where railway services were disrupted by demonstrations at stations. In Balasore, striking union members blocked the Bangiriposi-Puri Express, while similar protests were held in several other locations across the town.
In Balangir, protesters locked the district head post office and shut down the morning vegetable market. Meanwhile, in Bhadrak, AICCTU members obstructed NH-16, halting traffic, and in Berhampur, a sit-in protest was held at the railway station, alongside the closure of private educational institutions.
Paradip port also saw protests, with workers demonstrating at Gate No. 3. Other key locations affected by the protests included Rangia Garh Bridge and Kujang market, where regular activities were severely impacted.
Sambalpur witnessed a blockade on NH-55 at Ainthapali Chhak, and several shops and markets in the city remained closed. In Bhubaneswar, the state capital, protests were staged at the 'Ama Bus' depot near Master Canteen, where protestors locked the gates and halted bus services. A demonstration outside the depot also disrupted commuter movement.
Additionally, NH-16 was blocked at the Jaydev Vihar flyover, leading to a massive traffic jam with vehicles stranded for hours. The protests had a ripple effect throughout Bhubaneswar, where roads were deserted, and traffic came to a standstill. Public services were severely impacted, including the closure of schools, colleges, banks, petrol pumps, and the suspension of public transport services.
Labour union workers are demanding several reforms, including amendments to labour laws, the withdrawal of the Electricity Amendment Bill 2025, and the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations on Minimum Support Price (MSP), among other demands.
The strike has garnered support from various organizations, including INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, AICCTU, TUCC, SEWA, LPF, United Farmers’ Front, All India Bank Employees’ Association, All India Bank Officers’ Association, and the Indian Bank Employees’ Federation.
