Warangal RTC driver succumbs to burns as TGSRTC strike enters second day

The indefinite strike by TGSRTC employees in Telangana took a tragic turn when a bus driver, Shankar Goud, died after self-immolation at Narsampet bus stand in Warangal. His death has intensified the agitation, with union leaders accusing the government of indifference.

Hyderabad: The second day of the indefinite strike by Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) employees took a tragic turn after a bus driver allegedly died by suicide by self-immolation at the Narsampet bus stand in Warangal district on Thursday.

The driver, identified as Shankar Goud, is said to have poured petrol on himself and set himself ablaze, reportedly anguished over what workers describe as the government’s indifferent attitude towards their demands.

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His co-workers at the spot responded swiftly, rushed to his rescue and doused the flames. Goud suffered nearly 70 percent burns and was immediately shifted to MGM Hospital in Warangal, where his condition was said to be critical.

Based on doctors’ advice, he was being shifted to the DRDO Apollo Hospital at Kanchanbagh. However, he succumbed to his burns on the way near Karmanghat, before reaching the hospital.

The second day of the strike continued to severely impact bus services in Hyderabad and across 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 at 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.

They also stated that discussions with the government-appointed committee did not yield concrete results. Key demands include implementation of the 2021 pay revision with the proposed fitment, opposition to the operation of electric buses in Greater Hyderabad, and concerns over recent employee transfers.

On the other hand, TGSRTC Managing Director Y Nagi Reddy appealed to employees to withdraw the strike, stating that the management has 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 the restoration of normal bus services. While the corporation faces mounting daily revenue losses running into several crores, commuters continue to bear the brunt of the ongoing strike.