Negotiations between Kerala’s private bus operators and the Transport Ministry have collapsed, leading to a statewide strike planned from July 22, 2025. Major grievances include continuation of the ₹1 student concession fare and mandatory police verification for staff—rules imposed by KSRTC. Striking operators manage ~1,000 buses across the state and say they may escalate protests if talks stall. The government maintains the rules are for public safety and has proposed a new mobile app to streamline concessions. This unrest threatens to disrupt daily commutes, school transport, and morning routines.