Women and students brace for hardships amid RTC strike

The RTC Joint Action Committee (JAC) has called for a strike beginning Tuesday midnight, threatening to disrupt bus services across Hyderabad. The State government is preparing contingency measures, including deploying private drivers, but unions warn of safety risks.

Hyderabad: Tension is mounting across RTC depots as the employees’ strike called by RTC Joint Action Committee (JAC) which is set to begin from Tuesday midnight, could disrupt public transport services.

However, the State government is reportedly preparing contingency plans, including deploying private drivers to operate buses. The unions warn that inexperienced drivers navigating the city’s busy roads could pose serious safety risks to the public. Past incidents involving less experienced drivers have raised concerns as well.

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The JAC has issued a strong warning, stating it will block buses from leaving depots if any strike-breaking measures are attempted. In response, the Home Department has reportedly decided to deploy around 5,000 police personnel at key depots to maintain law and order.

Women and students likely to face hardships:

With nearly 14.2 lakh women availing free bus travel daily in the city, the strike could significantly impact commuters. If services halt, passengers may be forced to rely on private transport, including cabs, leading to an additional financial burden on the public.

As per reports, a recent confidential report from the Transport Department to the government has indicated that regulating auto fares during the strike period may not be feasible. Daily wage workers, women, and students are expected to bear the brunt of the disruption.

Government activates backup plan:

To minimise inconvenience, authorities have directed Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) to arrange alternative transport district-wise. Data on private drivers and vehicles are being collected, and efforts are underway to mobilise as many private vehicles as possible within GHMC limits. Monitoring officers are also likely to be appointed to oversee operations.

Financial hit to RTC:

The strike is likely to result in significant revenue losses for the corporation. On average, RTC generates between Rs 13 crore and Rs 16 crore daily, with earnings rising up to Rs 18 crore during peak or festive days. With a fleet of 9,375 buses, each bus contributes roughly Rs 18,000 per day.

Metro, MMTS may see heavy rush:

With RTC services expected to halt, commuter pressure is likely to shift to alternative systems such as Hyderabad Metro Rail and MMTS trains. Authorities anticipate overcrowding, especially during peak hours.

Meanwhile, uncertainty remains over how effectively the government can provide alternatives for women commuters who rely heavily on free bus travel. There are also concerns that private transport operators may exploit the situation by charging higher fares.

Strike to continue until 32 demands are met:

RTC JAC Chairman Venkanna said the strike had become unavoidable and would continue until all 32 demands were resolved.

Last strike in 2019:

The previous RTC strike was of 52 days long in October 2019, one of the longest labour agitations in the state’s history. The strike had severely impacted the public transport services.