Bharat Bandh on July 9: What’s Closed & Why

The upcoming Bharat Bandh on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, is set to become one of India’s largest general strikes in recent years. With over 25 crore workers expected to participate, industries, public services, transport, and education are likely to face significant disruptions.

What is Bharat Bandh 2025 and Who Called It?

The term’ Bharat Bandh’ translates to ‘India Shutdown’. This time, the call for a nationwide strike comes from a joint platform of 10 central trade unions. The unions have mobilised workers from sectors such as banking, mining, steel, transport, and public services.

They are protesting against what they describe as the government’s “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate policies.”

These trade unions include:

• Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC)
• All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC)
• Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU)
• Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS)
• And other major union federations representing millions of workers

Why Are Workers Protesting?

At the heart of this Bharat Bandh lies a 17-point charter of demands submitted by the trade unions to the Labour Minister, which they claim has been ignored. The unions argue that:

1. Labour Codes Weaken Worker Rights
   • The four new labour codes have consolidated 29 existing laws but, according to union leaders, they have:
     • Increased maximum working hours from 8 to 12 hours in some sectors.
     • Made it easier for companies to hire on a contractual basis.
     • Reduced job security for permanent employees.
2. Privatisation of Public Sector Units (PSUs)
   • Trade unions fear that the aggressive push for privatisation, including in defence and railways, will lead to mass job losses and reduced social security benefits.
3. Stagnation of Wages and Rising Inflation
   • Workers are demanding better wages, universal social security, and pension schemes to match the rising cost of living.
4. No National Labour Conference Held for a Decade
   • Union leaders state that despite promises, the government has not held an annual Indian Labour Conference for over ten years, limiting workers’ voices in policy-making.
5. Farmer Solidarity
   • The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and allied farmer organisations have extended their support to this strike, highlighting the agrarian distress and unfulfilled promises after previous protests.

Which Services Will Be Affected on July 9?

Banking and Financial Services

Employees of public sector banks and insurance companies are expected to join the strike. Banking operations, cheque clearances, and branch activities may be suspended.

Transport

State bus services in Maharashtra, Kerala, West Bengal, Punjab, and several other states could face partial or complete shutdowns. Roadblocks and traffic slowdowns are anticipated in protest zones.

Postal Services

Many postal department employees are participating, so expect delays in parcel deliveries, money orders, and other services.

Mining, Steel, and Coal Industries

Workers from coal mines, mineral industries, and steel plants will also strike, which could impact daily operations in these sectors.

Education

Teachers’ associations and university unions in multiple states have extended support. Schools and colleges may remain closed in protest-affected areas. Always check local updates before travelling to campuses.

Railways

While railway unions are not officially part of this strike, local disruptions may occur near protest sites, affecting train timings, station access, and last-mile connectivity.

What Will Remain Open During Bharat Bandh?

• Emergency services: Hospitals, ambulance services, and essential healthcare are exempt.
• Private offices and businesses: While technically open, they may suffer from staff shortages and transport issues.
• Online banking and ATMs: These should remain functional unless there are region-specific internet or transport disruptions.

How Should You Prepare for July 9 Bharat Bandh?

1. Avoid bank-related tasks
   • Complete any urgent banking or cheque-related work by Tuesday to avoid transaction delays.
2. Check transport availability
   • Monitor your state transport department and local news for bus and train service updates.
3. Stock up on essentials
   • If you rely on daily milk, grocery, or courier deliveries, arrange them in advance to avoid inconvenience.
4. Work from home if possible
   • Many offices are expected to provide flexible options, especially in metro cities prone to road blockades.
5. Stay updated via official advisories
   • Follow local police and administration handles on X (Twitter) for real-time updates on protests, diversions, and public safety instructions.

Will This Strike Make an Impact?

Historically, Bharat Bandhs with mass participation have forced governments to initiate dialogues with unions. However, trade experts argue that while symbolic, the effectiveness depends on sustained negotiation rather than one-day closures.

The last similar nationwide strike in 2020 saw over 20 crore workers participate, highlighting workers’ capacity to unify across sectors. This year’s bandh includes significant farmer participation as well, amplifying its political and social weight.

Final Thoughts

The Bharat Bandh on July 9, 2025, is not merely a strike. It is a message from India’s workforce demanding fair wages, job security, and dignity of labour amidst rapid economic changes and policy reforms. Whether this results in constructive dialogue remains to be seen.

For now, if you are a student, professional, or business owner in India, it is wise to plan your Wednesday keeping potential closures and transport disruptions in mind.

Stay connected for live updates on Bharat Bandh 2025, sector-wise impact analysis, and government responses on our blog. Bookmark this page for quick reference tomorrow.