Ludhiana, Aug. 9 -- Hundreds of commuters heading to their homes for Raksha Bandhan, found themselves stranded on Friday afternoon after contractual staff of Punjab Roadways, PRTC, and Punbus went on an impromptu strike, abruptly halting state-run bus operations across the state.

The strike, under the banner of the Punjab Roadways, Punbus and PRTC Contractual Workers Union, which lasted from 2 pm to 3.30 pm, brought state-run bus operations to a halt, severely disrupting travel plans ahead of the festival.

The union called off the strike after receiving a confirmation for a meeting with the state transport authorities on August 13.

The disruption, which took place at Ludhiana bus stands already brimming with passengers, added chaos to ...