Govt releases first tranche of arrears, transport unions demand full payment timeline

Bengaluru : The Karnataka government has taken a step towards resolving the long-pending salary arrears issue of transport employees by releasing ₹450 crore in the first phase. The decision follows multiple rounds of protests and growing dissatisfaction among workers across the state’s transport corporations.

The arrears, pending for 26 months, total ₹1,271.92 crore. Due to financial limitations, the government has opted for a phased approach, beginning with the current release. Officials indicated that further payments will depend on fund availability in the coming months.

The allocation has been distributed among the four corporations, with KSRTC receiving ₹143.85 crore, BMTC ₹137.24 crore, NWKRTC ₹87 crore, and KKRTC ₹81.91 crore. The move is expected to offer partial relief to employees facing financial hardships.

Despite welcoming the decision, transport unions have reiterated their demand for the immediate release of the remaining ₹821.92 crore. They have urged the government to set a clear deadline for full payment, warning that failure to do so could trigger fresh protests.

The development marks a temporary easing of tensions, but the issue remains unresolved, with employees closely watching the government’s next steps.