Bharat Bandh Hits Trade in Bihar: Business Disrupted, Rs 125 Crore Loss Estimated in Patna

Patna: A nationwide strike called by central labour organisations, coupled with a Bihar bandh led by the INDIA alliance, brought large parts of the state’s economy to a standstill on Wednesday. The financial impact was particularly severe in Patna, where business losses were estimated to be around Rs 125 crore, according to local traders’ associations.

Banking operations across the state were also disrupted. Dr Kumar Arvind, General Secretary of the All India Bank Officers Association, said that while the banking and insurance sector in Bihar typically handles transactions worth Rs 6,000 to 8,000 crore daily, the strike led to a 20–25% dip in activity, equating to losses of Rs 2,000 to 2,500 crore.

Commercial activity in key markets of Patna—including Boring Road, Mauryalok, Hathua Market and Fraser Road—was visibly affected, with shops and showrooms largely remaining shut until the afternoon. Major retail outlets and franchises also did not open for business.

“The strike paralysed operations on Wednesday,” said Ram Lal Khetan, President of the Khetan Market Shopkeepers’ Association. “Almost all prominent showrooms remained closed, which alone accounts for a business loss of around Rs 125 to 150 crore in Patna.”

The Confederation of All India Traders echoed the concern. Treasurer Prince Kumar Raju confirmed that the bandh had a significant impact on local commerce.

The effects of the strike were also felt in the agricultural sector. At the Krishi Utpadan Bazar Samiti in Musallahpur, where 200–220 fruit trucks usually arrive daily, only 30–40 trucks were reported on Wednesday. “The supply chain has been hit hard, and the impact will linger for the next two to three days,” said Shashikant Prasad, President of the Patna Fruit and Vegetables Association.