Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Friday, 1 May assured employees of the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) that the state government is fully committed to addressing their demands and protecting their rights, following a meeting with union representatives in Hyderabad. The assurances came amid worker unrest over pending wages, financial instability, and unresolved service conditions.

Key Assurances to TSRTC Unions

In a significant concession, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy announced that wages for the three-day strike period would be released and that all cases filed against workers during the strike would be withdrawn. He directed Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar and senior officials to take immediate action on both counts.

Union leaders, according to the Chief Minister's Office, expressed gratitude for the government's initiative. Reddy congratulated them for presenting an action plan aimed at enhancing the organisation's development, ensuring its financial survival, and improving public services.

Financial Strengthening Measures

The Chief Minister outlined several steps the government is taking to shore up TSRTC's finances. He noted that the number of buses has been increased and fresh staff recruited to boost revenue. He also informed union leaders that the government has decided to construct an international-standard bus terminal on 150 acres in Shamshabad, with 100 acres already allocated at Gajularamaram for another terminal.

Acknowledging the rising financial burden of diesel operations, Reddy said TSRTC is procuring 1,000 electric buses. Additionally, mini buses will be inducted into the fleet to establish seamless connectivity with the Metro rail network.

The Chief Minister also stated that through the Mahalakshmi Scheme, the government had provided financial assistance of ₹8,000 crore to TSRTC.

On Pending Dues and Pay Revision

Reddy clarified that the outstanding dues were not accumulated during the Congress tenure, but maintained that the government is making earnest efforts to clear the mounting debts. He added that pending compassionate appointments have been taken up and that decisions on financial matters, including the Pay Revision Commission, will be made soon.

He urged unions to hold internal discussions and present viable options to the government for a permanent solution to long-standing financial challenges.

Political Context and Worker Appeal

Chief Minister Reddy noted that TSRTC workers had supported the Indian National Congress (Congress) in forming the government and that the party had stood by them during their struggles. He cautioned workers not to be influenced by Opposition politics, warning that the organisation had already suffered damage from past disruptions.

"We are already making concerted efforts to alleviate the burden of interest payments on the TSRTC's outstanding debts, and the workers must cooperate in the endeavour to strengthen and sustain the organisation," he said. While assuring that no driver would be removed, he emphasised that every TSRTC worker also bears a responsibility to strive for the organisation's revival.

With electric buses on order, new terminals in the pipeline, and union grievances addressed, the coming months will test whether these commitments translate into a measurable turnaround for one of Telangana's most financially stressed public utilities.