Telangana bus strike halts 2,850 services
HYDERABAD: City bus services came to a halt after talks between the government and Road Transport Corporation (RTC) unions failed, forcing a strike from midnight on Tuesday.
Nearly 2,850 buses in Greater Hyderabad remained confined to depots. Around 22 lakh passengers are likely to face severe inconvenience due to the disruption.
Commuters struggle across city, stations
Over 20,000 staff, including conductors, drivers and mechanics from 25 depots in Greater Hyderabad, stayed away from duties. Bus services from key hubs such as MGBS, JBS, Dilsukhnagar, Kukatpally, LB Nagar and Uppal to districts in Telangana and parts of Andhra Pradesh were suspended.
Passengers who had planned early morning travel on Wednesday were affected. Those arriving by trains at Cherlapally, Secunderabad, Nampally and Kacheguda stations had to rely on autos and metro services due to the absence of city buses.
Seven years after 2019 strike disruption
The strike marks the first major RTC agitation in seven years. In 2019, employees staged a 52-day strike, causing widespread disruption. Private transport operators had then charged higher fares, while metro and MMTS trains were overcrowded.
Authorities fear a repeat of similar conditions. The current strike could also lead to a rise in prices of vegetables and essential commodities.
Authorities plan alternate arrangements
Officials said steps are being taken to increase Metro Rail and MMTS services. Private buses will also be pressed into service, and school buses may be deployed if required.
Transport authorities warned of strict action against private operators charging excess fares from passengers during the strike.
