Hyderabad: On average, RTC loses Rs12 crore per day across Telangana due to the ongoing strike, which is entering its seventh day on Friday. The six-day strike caused a whopping loss of over 72 crores in the state and a loss of over Rs 15 crore in the twin cities alone. Generally, TSRTC makes excess revenue during the festive rush like Dasara and Sankranti. Due to the strike call given by RTC JAC, TSRTC missed the opportunity to generate revenues during the Bathukamma and Dasara, the major festival season in Telangana. However, the Hyderabad Metro Rail, MMTC, cabs and other private operators are minting money.
Telangana government is making all efforts to ease the situation for passengers. The government has roped in more buses on hire, private buses, taxi cabs, and buses of the tourism department and educational institutions.
TSRTC Greater Hyderabad region increased the number of buses in twin cities. “We’re running about 1,200 buses in Greater Hyderabad. We operated 360 buses on hire also. TSRTC has 3,519 buses at 29 depots and is gradually increasing the number of buses in service during the strike,” said a senior official.
The MMTC and Hyderabad Metro eased out most of the pressure mounted by the RTC strike, said officials. MMTC operated over 120 trips a day and carried more than two lakh passengers in the twin cities. Hyderabad Metro Rail operated 800 trips and carried 3.7 lakh passengers. Further, auto rikshaws and cabs are catering to the transport requirements of Hyderabad’s citizens.
Daily wage workers, farmers hard hit by strike
Farmers from neighbouring districts of Hyderabad are the worst hit due to the RTC strike. The farmers are unable to transport vegetables to rythu bazaars in the twin cities.
“The exorbitant charges by private vehicle operators and auto-rickshaws make it an unviable option to transport vegetables to the city. We’re forced to pay more than Rs 2,500 per trip carrying sacks to the city and returning home,” said a farmer.
Daily wage workers are a worried lot as their transportation woes have paralyzed their earning capacity.
“I work as a daily wage labourer at Begum Bazaar and earn about Rs 500 a day. I reside at Bollaram. My transportation charges were heavy these days due to the RTC strike. I am spending almost half of my daily earnings on transportation alone. Sometimes, I think it would be better if I don’t work. I didn’t go to work for two days,” said Mr Narsimha. The situation is no different for construction workers either.
