RTC Strike in Telangana: Transport Comes to a Standstill, Lakhs of Commuters Hit

Public transport across Telangana has been severely disrupted as employees of the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) launched an indefinite strike from April 22, following the failure of talks between the government and workers’ unions. The strike, led by the Joint Action Committee (JAC), marks a major escalation in the ongoing standoff over long-pending demands.

Thousands of buses went off the roads from midnight, bringing daily travel to a halt and affecting lakhs of passengers across the state. Reports indicate that over 60 lakh commuters, including a significant number of students, employees, and daily wage workers, rely on RTC services and are now facing severe inconvenience.

The strike comes after weeks of unsuccessful negotiations. RTC unions have raised around 30+ demands, including the merger of RTC with the state government, implementation of government pay scales, job security, recruitment, and clearance of pending dues and benefits. Workers have also demanded that promises made earlier be fulfilled without further delay.

Despite last-minute efforts, talks between officials and union leaders failed to reach a consensus. The government had sought additional time to examine the issues through a committee, but unions rejected the proposal, insisting on immediate action.

The impact of the strike is being felt most in urban centers like Hyderabad, where thousands of buses usually operate daily. With limited alternative arrangements, commuters are struggling to find transport, leading to overcrowding in other modes like autos, cabs, and trains.

In response, the Telangana government has constituted a high-level committee to look into the employees’ grievances and submit recommendations within a few weeks. However, unions have made it clear that the strike will continue until concrete decisions are taken.

This is one of the biggest RTC strikes in recent years, drawing comparisons to the massive 2019 strike. As the deadlock continues, the situation remains tense, with both sides holding firm on their positions.

For now, normal life across Telangana continues to be affected, with commuters hoping for a swift resolution to restore essential bus services.

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