Daily life across India is expected to face significant hurdles on Thursday, February 12, 2026, as a joint platform of ten central trade unions launches a massive nationwide strike. The “Bharat Bandh” is a coordinated effort to protest recent economic shifts, specifically targeting the government’s overhaul of labour laws and agricultural policies.
While the central government has not declared a public holiday, the sheer volume of participating workers—ranging from factory floor employees to bank officers—will likely bring several sectors to a standstill.
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What’s Impacted: Banking, Transport, and Schools
The most visible impact of the strike will be felt in urban centers and industrial belts.
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Banking Services: Major unions like AIBEA and BEFI are participating. While online banking and ATMs will function, branch-level tasks like cheque clearances, cash deposits, and physical documentation will face delays.
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Public Transport: Expect “Chakka Jams” (road blockades) on major highways. While Airports and Railways will operate, getting to them may be difficult due to limited availability of local buses and taxis in union strongholds.
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Education: Many private schools in Kerala, Odisha, and Karnataka have preemptively declared a holiday to ensure student safety. Parents are advised to check official school apps for last-minute updates.
Essential Services: What Remains Functional
To minimize hardship for the general public, the following services have been exempted from the strike:
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Medical Care: All hospitals, pharmacies, and ambulance services will remain fully operational.
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Emergency Utilities: Fire departments, electricity grid maintenance, and water supply services are excluded from the bandh.
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Daily Necessities: Milk supply and newspaper distribution are expected to continue as usual in most regions.
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Sabarimala Pilgrimage: Trade unions in Kerala have specifically exempted pilgrims and the Maramon Convention from the agitation.
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Why the Strike? The 2026 “Labour Code” Conflict
The primary catalyst for this unrest is the implementation of the four new labour codes which replaced 29 existing laws.
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Worker Rights: Unions argue the codes make it easier for companies to “hire and fire” and weaken the collective bargaining power of unions.
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The “US Trade” Factor: Farmer organizations, including the SKM, have joined the strike to protest the proposed US-India trade deal. They fear that lower tariffs on American dairy and poultry could decimate domestic livelihoods.
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Other Demands: Protesters are also calling for the restoration of MGNREGA funding and the withdrawal of the Electricity Amendment Bill.
State-Specific Impact: Where the Bandh is Strongest
The intensity of the Bharat Bandh will vary significantly by geography:
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Total Shutdown Expected: Kerala, Odisha, and parts of West Bengal.
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Partial Impact: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab.
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Minimal Impact: Delhi (NCR), Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh, where private transport and retail sectors are less likely to participate in large numbers.
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[BHARAT BANDH SERVICE CHECKLIST: FEB 12, 2026]
| Category | Status | Advice |
| Public Sector Banks | Disrupted | Use Mobile Banking/UPI |
| Private Banks | Likely Open | Call branch before visiting |
| Public Transport | Highly Likely Impacted | Avoid non-essential travel |
| Stock Market | Open | No change in trading hours |
| Emergency Services | Open | No impact expected |
Next Steps
To avoid being caught in transit, you should check for Section 144 impositions or traffic advisories issued by your local police department tonight. Furthermore, if you have pending bank work, try to complete it through digital channels or wait until Friday, as cheque clearing houses are expected to face a massive backlog.
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