India’s nationwide Bharat Bandh on February 12 has brought large parts of the country to a standstill, with transport networks, banking services and public offices disrupted across multiple states. For domestic and international travellers, the one day shutdown has translated into delayed journeys, cancelled ground connections and a patchwork of restrictions that can vary sharply from city to city. Here is a detailed look at how the situation is unfolding today, what is currently affected, and what practical steps travellers should take if they are in India or due to arrive during the strike period.
What Is Happening Today and Why It Matters for Travellers
The Bharat Bandh being observed today, Thursday, February 12, 2026, is a 12 hour nationwide strike called by a joint platform of more than 10 central trade unions and multiple farmers’ organisations. The action, which runs roughly from 6 am to 6 pm, is primarily a protest against new central labour laws and broader economic policies that unions argue will dilute worker protections and job security.
Organisers say participation could reach 30 crore (300 million) workers drawn from banking, insurance, transport, public sector undertakings, ports, defence related units and informal sectors. For travellers, the sheer scale of this mobilisation is significant because many of the sectors participating in the shutdown are directly tied to how people move around within India or access basic services while on the road.
Early today, the impact was felt most strongly in traditionally unionised states such as Kerala, Odisha, Assam and West Bengal, where public transport, markets and some government offices have reduced operations or shut entirely in key urban centres. In contrast, major metros such as Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru are seeing a more mixed or patchy response, with core services broadly functioning but still subject to localised delays and crowding.
Although this is a political and labour action, for visitors on the ground it is playing out most tangibly as a day of practical hurdles: fewer buses and taxis in some cities, road blockades in others, uncertainty over whether banks or local markets are open, and the risk of getting stranded between an airport or railway station and a hotel.
Current Impact on Transport: Roads, Rail and Local Transit
Road and surface transport are the most visibly affected sectors today. In states like Odisha and Kerala, reports indicate that many state run buses are either not operating or running on sharply reduced schedules. In Odisha’s capital Bhubaneswar, for example, protest blockades near key junctions around the railway station have left passengers stranded, with city buses and auto rickshaws largely off the roads in the morning hours.
Assam and parts of West Bengal are witnessing similar slowdowns, with road closures and protest marches pushing traffic onto narrower alternate routes. Travellers may find that journeys which normally take 30 minutes stretch to well over an hour, or that certain routes are simply not passable during peak demonstration times. Police in several states have increased deployment on major highways and ring roads, especially stretches such as National Highway 16 along India’s eastern corridor, to manage congestion and prevent clashes.
Railway operations are, on the whole, more stable than road services, but they are not entirely insulated. Long distance trains are largely running according to schedule, yet access to and from stations is a weak link in several cities. Where roads are blocked, travellers arriving by train can face difficulty finding onward connections, particularly if local taxi unions are participating in the strike. In a few hotspots, short delays have been reported due to protests close to railway lines or level crossings, though these remain exceptions rather than the rule.
Urban transit systems show a mixed picture. In Bengaluru and other large metros, user reports suggest city buses are running but on thinner frequencies, with many commuters turning instead to private vehicles or app based cabs. This has resulted in pockets of heavier than usual congestion on secondary roads even where the official bandh impact is described as limited. In Kerala’s major cities, local buses and autos have been far more constrained, with many travellers turning to walking or carpooling for short distances.
Flight Operations and Airport Connectivity
For air travellers, the immediate good news is that flight schedules across India’s major airports are largely unaffected. Both domestic and international operations have been continuing close to normal, as aviation services and airport management are not central participants in the strike. Airlines have issued standard advisories urging passengers to arrive early and allow extra time for check in and security, but there have been no widespread reports of mass cancellations or airport shutdowns linked directly to the Bharat Bandh.
The main challenge, however, lies in the “first and last mile” connection at both ends of a journey. In affected states, travellers may find it harder than usual to reach airports during the 6 am to 6 pm bandh window, particularly if they rely on public buses or shared taxis. In Kerala, for example, with state run and private bus services significantly curtailed, many passengers are depending on pre booked cars or app based cabs, which can be in short supply during peak hours.
Some state police forces have stated that they are enhancing security and maintaining clear corridors to and from airports and railway stations, in an effort to prevent travellers from being stranded. Even so, road blockades organised by local unions near major junctions can cause bottlenecks and force vehicles into longer detours. Travellers with early morning or late afternoon flights today should anticipate that the usual 45 minute airport transfer could lengthen considerably, especially in cities like Bhubaneswar, Kochi or Kolkata, where strike participation is strong.
Inside the terminals, services such as currency exchange desks, restaurants and airport retail are open, though individual outlets may adjust staffing levels. International visitors on connecting itineraries should keep boarding passes and documentation handy, as visible security presence and occasional access checks are commonplace today at terminal entrances and approach roads.
State by State Picture: Where the Bandh Is Hitting Hardest
One of the defining features of the February 12 Bharat Bandh is how unevenly it is being observed across India. For travellers, understanding these regional differences is crucial for planning same day trips and assessing risk.
In Odisha, unions and supporting political parties have mobilised strongly, producing what local reports describe as near total shutdown in several districts. Public buses are scarce, many markets and commercial districts are shuttered, and road blockades in cities such as Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Rourkela are disrupting both local and intercity travel. Travellers here should expect the highest levels of disruption and factor in the possibility of cancelled or heavily delayed ground journeys.
Kerala, with its long history of high participation in general strikes, is also seeing extensive impact. State transport services, private buses, many taxis and auto rickshaws have stayed off the roads for much of the day, and commercial activity in major cities is significantly reduced. Banking services are affected by high union participation, with many public sector branches closed or running with skeletal staff.
Assam and West Bengal are experiencing wide ranging disruptions as well, particularly in urban and semi urban belts. Markets and commercial areas show a high rate of closure, public transport is operating on limited schedules, and government offices are reporting low attendance. In contrast, states such as Maharashtra, much of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Telangana have reported relatively normal functioning this morning, with no blanket suspensions of services and only sporadic protest related slowdowns.
In large economic hubs like Delhi and Mumbai, the picture is nuanced. Core transport systems and airports are functioning, banks are open in many areas, and offices are largely at work. Yet travellers may still encounter pockets of protest activity, especially near union dominated industrial clusters or government offices, leading to temporary traffic diversions and heavier police presence.
Banks, Schools, Public Offices and Everyday Services
The Bharat Bandh is not an officially declared national holiday, which means that schools, colleges, banks and government offices are not automatically closed across India. Instead, the level of closure depends on local administration decisions and how strongly unions are organised in a given state or sector.
Public sector banks have been among the most visible participants in the strike. In states such as Kerala, West Bengal and Odisha, many branches have remained closed for the day, or are operating with minimal staff. Customers may find that cash deposit, in person account services and document processing are unavailable or significantly delayed. However, core digital banking services, ATMs and card payments continue to function normally nationwide.
Schools and colleges are taking a more varied approach. Some state governments or district administrations, particularly in states expecting major transport disruptions, have allowed institutions to close or shift to remote classes, citing student safety and difficulties in commuting. In other regions, schools are officially open but attendance is thin as parents hesitate to send children out amid reduced transport options or potential protests.
Government offices and public sector undertakings likewise reflect state specific patterns. In high impact regions such as Odisha and Kerala, attendance is sharply down, and visitors may encounter closed counters, rescheduled hearings or postponed appointments. Elsewhere, especially in Delhi NCR, Mumbai and Hyderabad, most offices are open, but minor delays and longer queues are possible when staff choose to join pickets or reach work late due to traffic snarls.
Safety, Security and On The Ground Conditions for Tourists
Despite the scale of mobilisation, authorities have repeatedly emphasised maintaining law and order and protecting essential services. Police deployments have been stepped up across several states, particularly around transport hubs, administrative buildings and known protest hotspots. So far, the majority of demonstrations and road blockades are being reported as peaceful, although scuffles and tense stand offs can briefly erupt when protesters attempt to halt traffic or enforce shop closures.
For tourists and business travellers, the key safety concern today is less about targeted violence and more about getting caught in dense crowds or extended traffic jams. Demonstrators often gather at major intersections, bus depots, industrial gates and highways that serve as urban arteries. Entering such areas on foot or in a vehicle can lead to long delays and, in some cases, sudden changes of route imposed by police diversions.
Travellers in India today should keep identification documents on hand and be prepared for increased security checks at railway stations, metro entries and airport access roads. Photography of protests and police deployments, while not illegal in itself, can sometimes draw unwanted attention from both sides, especially in emotionally charged environments. Observing from a safe distance and avoiding confrontations when asked to move along remain the best practices.
It is also worth noting that essential services such as hospitals, emergency medical care, ambulance operations, fire brigades, water and power utilities are officially exempt from the strike. Pharmacies, many convenience outlets and essential supply chains for items such as milk and newspapers continue to function, offering a basic safety net for travellers who may need urgent help during the bandh period.
Practical Advice: How to Manage Your Travel Plans Today
If you are already in India and moving around today, flexibility and extra time are the two most valuable resources. First, assume that any journey that depends on road transport will take longer than usual. Leave early for flights and long distance trains, especially if you are travelling between 6 am and 6 pm. Where possible, pre book taxis or private transfers through reputable operators rather than relying solely on walk up options that may be limited in affected cities.
Second, keep a close eye on local news bulletins and traffic advisories from city police departments. Many urban centres are issuing route specific guidance highlighting blocked junctions, diversions and areas to avoid. Hotel concierges and local hosts are often a reliable source of real time intelligence, as they track the situation closely for multiple guests and can recommend alternate routes or temporary adjustments in sightseeing plans.
Third, consider consolidating activities. Instead of attempting multi stop itineraries across a city, focus on one or two key commitments and avoid optional side trips during the bandh window. Walking may be more efficient than driving in tightly packed city cores if demonstrations are concentrated around bus depots and major intersections.
Finally, for international travellers set to arrive in India later today or tonight, it can be prudent to arrange an airport pickup directly with your hotel or a trusted car service and to have a clear back up communication plan. Inform your accommodation of your arrival time, share flight details, and agree on a meeting point in case cellular coverage is patchy or traffic forces the driver to use a different terminal entrance.
Looking Beyond February 12: What Happens After the Bandh Ends
The official Bharat Bandh window is set to close at around 6 pm today, after which transport and commercial activity typically begin a phased return to normal. State transport corporations often resume services gradually in the evening, and many shops and restaurants reopen once the risk of confrontations diminishes. For travellers, this means that late evening and night time journeys are likely to be smoother than those attempted during peak strike hours, though some backlog and residual congestion may still be visible.
Air and rail schedules are expected to remain broadly stable beyond today, with any minor delays earlier in the day gradually absorbed into the network. Bus operators, including private intercity services that curtailed daytime departures, may add special evening or overnight services to clear pent up demand on popular corridors.
However, the issues that prompted the February 12 Bharat Bandh, particularly around labour codes and economic policy, are unlikely to disappear overnight. Travellers planning trips to India in the coming months should remain aware that similar calls for protests or sector specific strikes can arise with relatively short notice as negotiations between unions and the government continue.
For now, anyone on the road today in India should view the Bharat Bandh as a day to travel defensively: avoid unnecessary movements, stay informed through reliable local sources, allow generous time buffers and maintain a flexible, patient mindset. With prudent planning and an understanding of where the disruptions are most intense, it is still possible to move around safely, keep key appointments and continue journeys, even amid one of the largest coordinated labour actions the country has seen in recent years.