• The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), along with other transport unions, announced to hold a hunger strike in Karnataka State from October 15-19.
• The strike will be held to demand a salary hike, the release of outstanding wages, and the remaining backlog in financial dues.
• The union also announced protests in Bangalore, Hubballi, and Kalaburagi.
• However, the exact locations and timings of the protests remain unconfirmed at the time of writing.
• The unions held a strike over similar demands on August 5.

1. The strike is likely to see significant adherence across the state due to mounting frustrations among the union members over unmet demands due to the failure in negotiations with the state government. Given this and the precedent observed during the August 5 statewide strike, widespread disruptions to the state’s transport services are anticipated. Participation at the announced protests in Bangalore is likely to reach mid to high dozens based on the resonance over the issue among the union members. Whereas the attendance in Hubballi and Kalaburagi protests is likely to range in the low to mid dozens.
2. While the exact locations of the protests remain unconfirmed, potential protest locations will likely include prominent government buildings and the KSRTC Central Office in Bangalore. Anticipating this, the authorities will likely bolster security measures near potential protest locations as part of the standard security protocol. These measures will include the deployment of additional police personnel and the installation of security barricades.
3. There exists a latent risk of scuffles between the authorities and the protesters due to the resonance over the issue among the union members. In such cases, the authorities are likely to use forceful dispersal measures, including baton charges, to quell the unrest. Travel disruptions are expected due to the announced strike and associated protests in Bangalore, Hubballi, and Kalaburagi on October 15-19.

Those operating or residing in Karnataka, including in Bangalore, on October 15-19, are advised to maintain vigilance due to the announced statewide strike as well as associated protests, while allowing for travel disruptions.