RTC Strike Intensifies on Day Two Across Telangana

Hyderabad, April 23 (Maxim News): The RTC workers’ strike entered its second day on Thursday, disrupting bus services across Telangana and causing major inconvenience to commuters. Workers staged protests in front of RTC depots statewide and raised slogans demanding immediate resolution of their pending issues.

From early morning, employees sat in dharna outside depots and blocked buses from leaving premises. As a result, normal services remained affected in several districts.

Police detained many protesting workers at different locations. Officers also stopped and arrested JAC leaders who were heading to protest sites in support of RTC staff.

In Hyderabad, police took RTC JAC chairman Eduru Venkan­na and several union leaders into custody during the agitation.

Tension prevailed at the Jangaon RTC depot after police stopped workers from holding a protest. Officials reportedly removed tents, citing lack of permission for the dharna.

This action angered employees, who strongly objected to the police move. Consequently, heated scenes were witnessed near the depot.

Meanwhile, commuters continued to suffer as bus services remained limited for the second straight day. Passengers waited for long hours at bus stops and transport hubs.

Private vehicle operators took advantage of the situation and charged higher fares from stranded passengers. Many commuters complained of paying excessive prices for autos and private travel.

RTC JAC leaders warned that they would intensify the agitation if the government failed to respond positively to their demands.

Chairman Eduru Venkan­na said the unions had issued notices and waited for 14 days before launching the strike. Therefore, he blamed the government’s delay for the present crisis.

He also said workers were ready for talks at any time, even if the government called them at midnight.

However, he warned that if authorities focused only on alternatives, unions would change their protest strategy and step up the agitation.

With no immediate breakthrough in sight, uncertainty over public transport services continues across Telangana. (Maxim News)