Vijayawada: The APSRTC employees' unions Joint Action Committee (JAC) has demanded that the state government cancel tenders awarded to private operators for the operation of electric buses. Instead, they urge the government to procure and operate the buses through the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC).
Representations Submitted to Officials
On Thursday, the JAC leaders submitted representations to the offices of the chief minister, chief secretary, transport minister, special chief secretary (Transport, Roads and Buildings), and APSRTC incharge MD MT Krishna Babu. They urged the government to reverse its decision.
Concerns Over Privatization
Addressing the media, JAC conveners Y Srinivasa Rao and Palisetti Damodara Rao expressed concern that entrusting electric bus operations to private agencies is part of a gradual privatization process that could undermine the future of the state-run transport corporation. They alleged that valuable RTC depot lands are being handed over to private operators under lease arrangements without consulting employee unions.
Planned Protests and Agitation
Warning of intensified protests if their demands are ignored, the JAC announced a series of agitation preparatory conferences across the state from June 16 to 20. The conferences will be held in Vizianagaram, Vijayawada, Nellore, Tirupati, and Anantapur, covering employees from all four RTC zones.
Demands for Depot Reopenings
The leaders also demanded the reopening of the Vidyadharapuram, Nellore-II, and Guntur-II depots, which they claimed were vacated for electric bus operators. They opposed any move to vacate the Mangalam depot, stating such actions would weaken APSRTC and accelerate privatization.
Protest Programme Details
As part of the protest programme, RTC employees across the state will wear red ribbons while on duty and organize gate meetings and demonstrations at all depots and units on June 23 and 24. A state-level meeting of the RTC Employees' JAC is scheduled to be held in Vijayawada on June 28 to plan the next phase of agitation, the JAC leaders added.
