Key Points:
- Bharat Bandh on February 12, 2026, is expected to disrupt markets, transport, banking, and government offices across multiple states.
- Odisha and Assam are likely to face the most severe impact, with Kerala and West Bengal also seeing noticeable disruptions.
- Business activity may slow due to closures, reduced workforce availability, and limited access to essential services.
Several states across India are expected to witness widespread closures on Thursday, February 12, 2026, as multiple worker groups suspend operations for the day. Markets, transport services, banking operations, and government offices in many districts may remain shut or function at reduced capacity. The scale of closures could affect daily business activity in both urban and rural areas.
Markets, Transport, And Banking May See Major Disruptions Due to Bharat Bandh
Commercial establishments in many districts may remain closed, particularly in areas with strong union presence. Wholesale markets are likely to suspend operations in select cities, affecting supply chains for retailers and small enterprises. Daily trade activity in industrial clusters may also slow down due to limited workforce availability.
Public transport services, including buses run by the state, may operate partially or remain off the roads in several regions. This could impact employee attendance and the movement of goods. In districts where participation is high, transport disruptions may extend throughout the day.
Banking services may function with reduced staff, especially in public sector banks, where employee groups have extended support to the closure call. Limited banking operations could affect cash transactions, loan processing, and services in different branches. Government offices in certain districts may also report lower attendance, slowing administrative work and approvals.
Educational institutions in some regions may remain closed depending on local conditions. However, there is no uniform announcement of closure across all states.
Odisha and Assam are likely to see maximum impact
The Bharat Bandh closures on February 12 are most likely to impact the states of Assam and Odisha.
Odisha is expected to experience extensive closures across districts. Reports suggest that industrial units, wholesale markets, and government offices in several areas may remain shut. Public transport services could face severe disruption, affecting both commuters and goods movement. Banking operations in select districts may also be impacted.
Assam may witness significant shutdowns in urban and semi-urban centres. Markets and commercial establishments could remain closed in many towns. Public transport services may operate on limited routes, and government offices may see reduced attendance. Business activity in major trade hubs may slow for the day.
Kerala is also likely to see strong participation, leading to closures in markets and transport networks. Public buses and local services may operate at limited capacity. Banking branches could function with minimal staff in certain areas.
West Bengal may experience partial to substantial disruptions. Markets in some districts may remain closed, and transport services in city areas could run on a restricted schedule. Public sector banking operations may also face interruptions in locations with high participation.
While the level of impact may vary district by district, closures in Odisha and Assam are expected to be the most pronounced. Kerala and West Bengal may also see noticeable disruptions in commercial and public services.
Business owners may need to prepare for temporary supply delays, reduced customer footfall, and limited access to banking and transport services due to Bharat Bandh.
