RTC strike cripples Hyderabad transport, leaves lakhs of commuters stranded

The RTC strike has severely disrupted Hyderabad’s public transport system, leaving lakhs of commuters stranded. With most buses off roads and talks failing between the government and unions, Metro stations witnessed heavy rush while temporary transport arrangements are being explored.

Hyderabad: The ongoing RTC strike has brought daily life to a near standstill, leaving lakhs of commuters stranded as most buses remain confined to depots across the city.

With nearly 20 lakh people dependent on RTC services, the disruption has hit students, working professionals, workers, sanitation staff and private employees the hardest during early morning rush hours.

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At key locations like Dilsukhnagar and Lakdi-ka-pul, passengers were seen bargaining with auto drivers or walking long distances with bags on their shoulders. Many alleged that private transport operators were charging higher fares amid the crisis.

At Uppal Depot, the impact was severe. Of 32 scheduled early morning buses, only four had reportedly operated on routes like 115 (Koti), 300, and 113.

By 9 am, around 90 services remained cancelled. Police deployment has been intensified at depots to monitor the situation.
Similarly, buses at Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS) stayed off roads, worsening commuter woes.

Discussions between the government and RTC Joint Action Committee (JAC) failed on Tuesday, leading to continuation of the strike. However, fresh talks are expected later part of the day on Wednesday, keeping uncertainty alive over the strike’s future.

Despite the shutdown, some buses are running from depots in Secunderabad, Ibrahimpatnam, KPHB, Uppal and Dilsukhnagar. Around 25 buses are operating on routes connecting Uppal, Ghatkesar, Secunderabad, Ibrahimpatnam, Abdullapurmet, Amberpet, and Abids. Electric buses continue to run as usual.

With RTC services crippled, commuters have turned to the Hyderabad Metro. Stations like LB Nagar Metro Station witnessed heavy rush with long queues at ticket counters and entry gates. Additional services were being operated.

Heavy police deployment was seen at depots in Malakpet, Dilsukhnagar, Kanchanbagh, and MIDHANI. While officials managed to push a few buses into service, the majority remained parked due to the strike.

Meanwhile, the TGSRTC Supervisors’ Association welcomed the government’s GO 66 and IAS committee on RTC issues. Expressing confidence in a positive resolution, the association thanked the government and RTC management and announced it will not join the ongoing strike.

To manage the crisis, the government has begun inviting applications for temporary drivers and conductors. At Dilsukhnagar depot alone, around 10 conductors have reportedly already been recruited.

It is learnt that the RTC authorities have asked interested candidates to approach with valid documents, including heavy vehicle licenses, can approach nearby depots.

Overall, the RTC strike has severely disrupted urban mobility in the city.