TGSRTC strike intensifies after death, suicide bids by drivers

The TGSRTC strike took a tragic turn as a driver died following a self-immolation attempt, while two others tried to end their lives. The State government has called unions for talks as bus services remain disrupted across Telangana

Hyderabad: An RTC driver who set himself ablaze, died, while two others tried to end life as the indefinite strike by Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) employees took a fiery turn on Thursday.

The driver, identified as Shankar Goud of Narsampet depot, poured petrol on himself and set himself ablaze, reportedly anguished over what workers described as the government’s indifferent attitude towards their demands.

His co-workers at the spot rushed to his rescue and doused the flames. Goud suffered nearly 70 per cent burns and was immediately shifted to MGM Hospital in Warangal. As his condition turned critical, he was being shifted to the DRDO Apollo Hospital at Kanchanbagh in Hyderabad when he succumbed to burns before reaching the hospital.

Two other RTC employees D Linga Reddy, aged around 50 and working at the Bhadrachalam depot in Kothagudem district, reportedly consumed pesticide to end his life, while alert employees thwarted a self-immolation bid by Ravula Venkanna of Miryalguda depot. The agitated RTC driver who was taking part in the strike, doused himself with petrol. His colleagues who noticed this intervened and stopped him from taking the extreme step.

These incidents forced the State government to invite the agitating unions for talks with Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy directing Ministers concerned to hold talks with the RTC unions on Friday.

These directions were issued during the Cabinet meeting held here on Thursday. Led by Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, the Ministers have been directed to hold talks with the RTC unions, who are continuing their strike for the second day in the State.

Stating that the government was positive towards addressing the concerns of RTC employees, the Chief Minister appealed to them not to take any decisions in haste.

“By sacrificing lives, issues will not get addressed. The government is committed to addressing the unions’ issues,” Revanth Reddy said.

The second day of strike continued to severely impact bus services in Hyderabad and other parts of the State. A large number of buses remained stationed at depots, leaving commuters stranded and struggling to find alternative transport, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.

In several places in Hyderabad, private transport operators, including auto-rickshaws and cabs, reportedly charged steep fares, making money on the surge in demand. Passengers faced long waits and overcrowding at major transit points. The strike, which began from Tuesday midnight after talks with the government failed, has seen participation from thousands of RTC employees. With a fleet of over 9,000 buses catering to nearly 55 lakh passengers daily, the disruption has had a widespread impact on public mobility.

Stepping up the agitation, the JAC had called for a ‘Maha Dharna’ at bus depots and workshops across the State on the second day. JAC Chairman E Venkanna urged workers to continue the protest until their demands were met.

Union leaders alleged that the government and RTC management have adopted an insensitive and rigid approach towards the agitation, ignoring the concerns of employees. They criticised the official statements claiming that most demands had been addressed, stating that key issues remain unresolved. On the other hand, TGSRTC Managing Director Y Nagi Reddy appealed to the employees to withdraw the strike, stating that the management had already responded positively and set up a committee of IAS officers to address the issues. He warned that continuing the strike during proceedings before the Labour Commissioner could invite legal consequences. With no solution yet, uncertainty continues over restoration of bus services.