RTC JAC leaders detained at Gun Park; Dharna at Indira Park postponed

Employees said, “We have always been demanding that the state government increase its fleet of RTC buses. But, TSRTC management continues to encourage the hiring of private buses. Several political leaders and officials have hired out their buses to the TSRTC. The hired buses account for almost 50 per cent of the total fleet of TSRTC. As a result, TSRTC is losing revenues. If the RTC management increases the number of buses, revenues will improve. We have also suggested the setting up of new ancillary units for manufacturing spare parts and tyres for RTC buses.”Meanwhile, passengers are complaining that RTC, unions, and government are causing inconvenience to them. “Travelling from Hyderabad to the district headquarters is ok. But from district headquarters to remote villages is a big problem,” said a passenger.

“I was able to reach Kazipet from Hyderabad comfortably. However, from Kazipet to Mulugu was a challenge for me,” said Srinivas, who works at Hitech City.

“Generally, the fare from Moul Ali to Secunderabad is Rs 10, but I paid Rs 100 on Monday,” said Abdullah.

CPI (Maoist) party state secretary Mr Jagan called on the RTC employees to hold a militant like agitation. “The TRS government is trying to privatise TSRTC. That's the reason the Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao denied the merger proposal of the TSRTC,” he said.

Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader Mr Bhatti Vikramarka further said that “the TRS government is in the process of privatising the TSRTC. Employees have a right to strike in a democracy. Without holding discussions with the unions, the Chief Minister is threatening employees. Congress always supports the welfare of employees. The high state taxes on diesel are one of the major reasons for RTC losses."

“Chief Minister favoured RTC before the formation of Telangana state. We supported KCR whole-heartedly during the Telangana movement. Now, KCR has changed his language. We are unable to digest the attitude and will continue our fight till we get justice,” said an employee at Karimnagar bus depot.