Bharat Bandh on 12 February 2026: Will Banks, Schools and Transport Shut Today? State-Wise Alerts and What Citizens Should Expect

Bharat Bandh on 12 February 2026: India is witnessing a major nationwide Bharat Bandh on Thursday, 12th February 2026, called jointly by central trade unions and farmer organisations. The protest is primarily aimed at opposing labour reforms and raising concerns over the India-US trade agreement, which farmers fear could harm domestic agriculture.The strike is expected to impact banking services, schools, transport networks, markets, and public offices across multiple states. Citizens are advised to stay updated on local advisories before stepping out.

Highlights on Bharat Bandh on 12 February 2026

• India observes one of its largest Bharat Bandh today, 12th February 2026.

• The real impact of this Bandh will depend on how strongly local unions enforce the bandh, thereby varying tin consequences depending on your location.

• Organisers have projected participation running into tens of crores of workers from banking, insurance, transport, postal services, mining, construction and sections of the informal economy.

• States such as Kerala, Odisha and Karnataka are among those witnessing more impact of the Bharat Bandh today.

• Road traffic is also expected to be slower today.

• With unions claiming support from millions of workers across sectors, commuters, students and businesses have prepared for possible disruption to banking, transport networks, markets and educational institutions.

Why the Bharat Bandh Has Been Called Today, 12th February 2026?

The Bharat Bandh has dual motivations – labour protests and farmer’s unions.

• Labour Protests: Ten central trade unions, including AITUC, INTUC, CITU, HMS, SEWA, TUCC, AICCTU, LPF and UTUC, are participating.

• Workers are protesting the four labour codes, claiming they reduce job security, limit collective bargaining and favour employers.

• Participation now includes students, youth groups and agricultural labour organisations, expanding the scale beyond traditional unions.

• Farmers’ Concerns: The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has extended support against the India-US interim trade framework.

• Farmers argue the deal could allow cheaper imports, lowering domestic crop prices and threatening livelihoods.

• Beyond the trade deal, unions and farmers are also protesting electricity and seed policies, new bills affecting workers and farmers and other economic reforms perceived as unfavourable.

• The Union government, however, maintains that sensitive agricultural segments are protected and that expanded trade could create export opportunities for Indian producers.

• Scale of Participation: Estimates suggest over 30 crore workers across 600 plus districts are expected to participate, marking it as one of the largest protests in recent years.

Will Banks Be Open on 12 February 2026?

There has been no official announcement as yet. However, if you planning to head to the bank, some points to note for today:

• There is no official RBI holiday, but several public sector banks, including SBI and Bank of Baroda, have confirmed that branch operations may be disrupted or partially closed.

• Teller services and cheque clearances could be delayed, while digital banking, ATMs, UPI and mobile banking are expected to function normally.

• Citizens with urgent banking needs are advised to use online services to avoid inconvenience.

• If you need important paperwork, postponing until after the bandh may be wiser.

Schools and Colleges: Open or Closed Today?

No nationwide holiday has been announced for schools, but closures depend on local conditions and transport availability.

• In Kerala, Karnataka and Odisha, where public transport is heavily affected, many schools and colleges may remain closed or switch to online classes.

• Parents and students should confirm status through official school or district notifications, as last-minute changes are possible due to ground realities.

• Parents and students should rely only on official notices rather than rumours on social media.

Public Transport and Travel Advisory

Reports indicate traffic slowdowns and road blockades in several cities, including Bhubaneswar, Bengaluru and Odisha’s major districts.

• State-run bus services, metro trains, and taxis may be partially or fully disrupted depending on local union participation.

• Railways and airlines are scheduled to operate, but commuters should allow extra time and monitor official updates before travel.

• Citizens are advised to avoid protest sites and check real-time traffic apps to navigate effectively.

State-Wise Impact and Advisories

As India witnesses its massive Bharat Bandh today, here are some state-wise latest developments in the most affected areas:

• Kerala: The Kerala Government declared a dies non (non-working day) for state employees to prevent risks during the strike. Employees participating without prior authorisation may face salary deductions. Markets, shops, public transport, taxis and auto-rickshaws are heavily impacted, though essential services like hospitals and emergency units continue.

• Odisha: Unions including CPI(M), CPI, CPI(ML), and Forward Block are actively participating. Schools, colleges, government offices, banks, fuel pumps, markets and industrial units are largely disrupted. Emergency services such as hospitals, fire, ambulance, water and electricity are expected to remain functional.

• Karnataka: Urban centres like Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Hubballi may experience low attendance in offices and educational institutions, with significant disruption to bus and metro services.

• Delhi-NCR: No official closure orders, but traffic congestion and delays are likely in protest-prone areas. Citizens are advised to plan travel early and consider alternate routes.

• Other States: Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and several northern states have district-level advisories.

Closures and disruptions depend on local union participation and transport availability.The real impact will differ from city to city depending on how strongly local unions enforce the bandh and this will keep revealing itself as the day progresses. 

Essential Services Likely to Remain Operational

The following emergency and essential services will remain unaffected by today’s Bharat Bandh:

• Hospitals and medical emergency services

• Fire and police services

• Electricity, water and disaster response units

• Airports, some public utilities and essential shops

Citizen Checklist: How to Prepare

The Bharat Bandh on 12 February 2026 is shaping up to be a major national protest, combining labour union action and farmer-led demonstrations. While essential services continue, banks, schools, markets and public transport may be severely affected in several states.

Citizens should plan ahead, stay informed and prioritise safety. Here is an advised check-list for everyone planning to step out in today’s Bharat Bandh:

• Complete banking and essential errands post the Bharat Bandh to avoid any inconvenience.

• Keep fuel, cash and essentials ready.

• Check school, office and transport notifications.

• Avoid areas with protests or blockades.

• Follow local traffic advisories and real-time updates.

Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj: A Lifeline for Farmers in Their Darkest Hours

As today’s Bharat Bandh sees a vast number of farmers joining the protest, we are reminded of the exemplary and historic humanitarian aid that Jagatguru Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj has extended to distraught farmers.

Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj has long been a steadfast supporter of farmers. The massive flood relief and resurrection aid provided by Him to innumerable villages of India struck by unprecedented floods this year, bailed out India’s most vital contributors to its economy – the farmers.

Discover how Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj is not just the True Messiah of all farmers, but also of all humanity through this eye-opening video: