MP Bus Strike Ahead of Holi 2026: Travel Plans in Jeopardy Across 55 Districts
The MP Bus Strike announced just days before Holi has triggered widespread concern among passengers across Madhya Pradesh. With nearly 20,000 buses set to go off the roads from 6 am on March 2, festive travel plans for thousands of families may face serious disruption.
As the Holi travel rush intensifies, buses across major cities including Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, and Jabalpur are already witnessing heavy passenger traffic. The strike, called by the Madhya Pradesh Bus Operators Association, will impact all 55 districts of the state.
Why Has the MP Bus Strike Been Announced?
The strike stems from opposition to the proposed Madhya Pradesh Transport Policy, which aims to introduce a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for bus route operations.
Under the proposed system:
Bus route tenders will be handed over to seven private companies.
These companies will determine passenger fares.
Existing bus owners will continue providing drivers, staff, and fuel.
Private firms may take up to 10% commission from fare collections.
According to Jaykumar Jain, General Secretary of the Bus Operators Association, the current fare stands at ₹1.25 per kilometre. Under the new structure, it could rise to ₹1.75 per kilometre.
“We do not want to trouble passengers, but we oppose this policy,” Jain stated, adding that a memorandum has already been submitted to the government.
Holi Travel Rush May Turn Costly
The timing of the MP Bus Strike is crucial. Holi is one of the biggest festivals in the state, prompting large-scale intercity travel.
If buses remain off the roads:
Trains are expected to be overcrowded.
Private taxis and travel vehicles may see surge pricing.
Per-person travel costs could jump 5–7 times.
For instance:
Current bus fare from Bhopal to Hoshangabad: ₹100 per passenger.
Private vehicle fare during strike: ₹1,500–₹2,000 per vehicle.
Shared cost per person (4 passengers): ₹500–₹600.
Similar fare spikes are likely across other popular routes.
Travel experts warn that last-minute bookings could further inflate prices due to high demand and limited alternatives.
Government’s Stand on the Issue
State Transport Minister Rao Uday Pratap Singh addressed concerns during the Budget Session in the Assembly.
He clarified that the new policy aims to streamline operations and increase bus availability. According to official data:
Around 14,000 buses currently operate in the state.
The estimated requirement is 16,000 buses to meet passenger demand.
“The buses and conductors will remain theirs. The government will only supervise operations,” the minister stated, assuring that no operator’s interests would be harmed.
What Passengers Should Do Now
With uncertainty looming, travellers planning Holi journeys are advised to:
Confirm ticket status in advance.
Explore railway and carpool options early.
Avoid last-minute bookings.
Monitor official government and association announcements.
If negotiations between the Bus Operators Association and the state government fail, the MP Bus Strike could significantly affect festival mobility.
The MP Bus Strike has emerged as a major public concern ahead of Holi 2026. While bus operators protest the new transport policy, passengers find themselves caught in the middle. With fares likely to surge and options limited, clarity from ongoing talks will be crucial in the coming days.
For now, festive travel in Madhya Pradesh hangs in uncertainty.
