Hyderabad: Public transport across Telangana was severely disrupted after more than 38,000 employees of the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) launched a statewide strike following the failure of talks with the government over their long-pending demands.
According to reports, the strike began at midnight, with nearly 6,000 buses taken off the roads, bringing services to a near standstill across the state.
The agitation was called after negotiations between RTC unions and the government failed to reach a consensus on 32 key demands, including issues related to pay revision, job security, merger with the state government, and pending dues.
Massive Impact on Commuters
The strike has left lakhs of commuters stranded, with daily travel severely affected in both urban and rural areas. Bus depots across Telangana remained largely shut, and services were halted from early morning hours.
Officials estimate that the disruption could impact millions of passengers, as RTC buses are a primary mode of transport for workers, students, and daily commuters in the state.
Workers’ Stand
Union leaders have indicated that the strike will continue until their demands are addressed, signalling no immediate resolution. Workers staged protests at depots and key locations, demanding swift government intervention.
Government Response
The state government has formed committees and held discussions, but no breakthrough has been achieved so far. Authorities are exploring alternative arrangements, though these remain insufficient to meet the surge in demand.
Bigger Picture
The strike highlights long-standing issues within the transport corporation, including staff shortages, delayed salary revisions, and operational challenges. It also underscores the critical role of public bus services in Telangana’s daily life.
With no immediate resolution in sight, the ongoing strike is expected to continue affecting transportation and daily routines across the state in the coming days.
