Public transport across Telangana was severely affected on Wednesday, as employees of the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) launched an indefinite strike, seeking a solution to their long-pending demands, including wage revision and absorption of RTC employees in the state government.
The strike, which began on the first shift early in the morning, disrupted bus services, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. With the majority of buses remaining confined to depots, passengers faced difficulty reaching their destinations.
The impact was particularly evident in the Greater Hyderabad area, where major stations such as the Mahatma Gandhi Bus Terminal and Jubilee Bus Terminal had a deserted appearance. An estimated 20 lakh commuters relying on RTC services daily, including students, office goers, industrial workers, sanitation staff and private sector employees, were affected, especially during the morning peak hours.
According to a senior TGSRTC official, limited operations continued from select depots, including Secunderabad, Ibrahimpatnam, KPHB, Uppal and Dilsukhnagar. About 25 buses were deployed on the main routes connecting Uppal, Ghatksar, Secunderabad, Ibrahimpatnam, Abdullahpurmit, Amberpet and Abids. Some electric buses operated by charter operators continued to operate without interruption.
The suspension of RTC services has led to a rush in Hyderabad Metro Rail services, with every station witnessing huge crowds. HMRL authorities have announced the operation of additional metro services to manage the rush.
Meanwhile, leaders of the RTC Joint Action Committee paid tribute to the Telangana martyrs at Gun Park and reiterated their demands. JAC president Eduro Venkana warned that the agitation could escalate into a larger mass movement similar to the historic “Sakala Janula Samme” (All People’s Strike) movement, if the state government fails to honor the guarantees.
“Except Congress, all opposition parties, employee unions and civil society organizations have extended their support to the strike,” Siad urged the government to start immediate talks.
TGSRTC Managing Director Y Nagi Reddy made an open appeal to employees to refrain from participating in what he called the “illegal strike” and resume their duties immediately. He stated in an official communication that discussions are already underway through a committee formed by the Ministry of Labor and senior officials.
Citing provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, the MD pointed out that strikes during ongoing conciliation proceedings are illegal. He warned that employees involved in such actions may face disciplinary action, including wage deduction and action under service rules.
Later in the day, state Transport Minister Poonam Prabhakar said the government had accepted 29 out of 32 demands made by the RTC unions, leaving only a few complex issues unresolved.
He explained that the demands regarding merger of TGSRTC with the state government and holding of union elections require detailed examination.
He rejected allegations that the committee was a delay tactic and assured that the pending issues would be discussed with the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. He pointed out that salaries are paid on the first day of every month despite the delay in the merger process.
