Guwahati witnessed visible disruptions on February 12 as supporters of the nationwide Bharat Bandh stopped commercial vehicles and took out a protest march in the Khanapara area. The bandh, called by a joint forum of central trade unions, impacted transport services across parts of the city.
Commuters reported fewer city buses, auto-rickshaws and app-based cabs such as Ola and Uber operating during the day.
Guwahati experienced traffic disruptions on February 12 during the nationwide Bharat Bandh, with supporters stopping commercial vehicles in Khanapara. Public transport services, including buses, autos and app-based cabs, were reduced as trade unions protested against new labour codes.
Protest Activity in Khanapara
Visuals from Khanapara showed bandh supporters stopping commercial vehicles and staging a march along the stretch.
Khanapara, located along a key entry and transit corridor connecting Guwahati to neighbouring districts and Meghalaya, is often sensitive to protest-related disruptions.
Authorities were present in the area to monitor the situation and maintain order.
Impact on Transport in the City
Residents across Guwahati reported:
- Reduced frequency of city buses
- Fewer auto-rickshaws on major routes
- Limited availability of app-based taxi services
Office-goers and students faced difficulty reaching workplaces and educational institutions, particularly during peak hours.
Traffic flow on some arterial roads appeared thinner than usual, while certain pockets experienced temporary congestion due to protest gatherings.
Why the Bharat Bandh Was Called
The general strike was called by a joint forum of central trade unions, which claimed participation of nearly 30 crore workers nationwide.
The unions stated that the protest was against:
- The Centre’s new labour codes
- Policies they described as anti-worker and anti-farmer
- Alleged pro-corporate governance measures
Reports of bandh-related activities also emerged from several other states.
Law and Order Situation
As of the time of reporting, there were no confirmed reports of violence in Guwahati.
Police personnel were deployed at key intersections and commercial hubs to prevent untoward incidents and ensure emergency services could operate without obstruction.
What Happens Next?
Normal transport services are expected to resume after the conclusion of bandh-related activities.
Authorities will continue monitoring the situation and assessing any reported damage or disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the Bharat Bandh protests take place in Guwahati?
Supporters were seen stopping commercial vehicles and marching in the Khanapara area.
Was public transport affected in Guwahati?
Yes. Fewer buses, autos and app-based cabs were reported on city roads during the bandh.