Ludhiana, Oct. 20 -- Amid the festive rush, commuters travelling on government-run buses are likely to face another spell of disruption after contractual employees of Punjab Roadways and PRTC announced a statewide protest from October 23, threatening to bring bus operations to a grinding halt.

The protest has been announced under the banner of Punjab Roadways, Punbus and PRTC contractual workers' union (25/11) against the induction of new Punjab Roadways and PRTC buses under kilometre scheme through private tenders.

The workers noted that the state transport department is preparing to open tenders for 19 luxury Volvo and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) kilometre scheme buses under Punjab Roadways on October 23, followed...