An indefinite strike called by the employees’ unions of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) entered the second day on Sunday as majority of buses stayed off roads across the State. Passengers faced severe inconvenience given that they have to reach their villages or home town for Dasara festivities.
The strike, called by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of different employees’ unions of TSRTC, continued as the State government failed to concede their long-pending demands that include merger of the TSRTC with the State government, pay revision, job security, payment of dues and filling up of vacancies.
According to officials, around 942 buses operate from the erstwhile Warangal district that carry over 10 lakh passengers every day. Meanwhile, the government has made alternative arrangements for passengers and has engaged the services of temporary drivers and conductors to operate buses. In Warangal district, the TSRTC authorities have hired private buses to run the services.
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On the second day of strike, 318 private drivers and 546 private conductors reported for duty and operated services for long distances. But the fares have not remained the same. Passengers alleged that the private bus operators were collecting double the charges.
TSRTC Warangal Regional Manager A. Sridhar said a large number of private drivers and conductors were operating the bus services. “We are helpless in a way, but have made alternative arrangements to ensure that people reach their villages for Dasara festival,” said Mr. Sridhar.