Telangana CM Urges RTC Unions to Chart Path for Institutional Transformation

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has engaged with representatives from RTC labour unions, requesting they formulate a strategic framework for transforming the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation. The focus centres on enhancing service quality for commuters while bolstering organisational stability.

During a meeting at his residence in Jubilee Hills, the Chief Minister convened union delegates alongside Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, parliamentary representatives, local leaders, and top bureaucrats. The discussions touched upon pending compensation revisions and other longstanding worker grievances that require resolution.

The Chief Minister instructed union representatives to deliberate on matters including recognition of elected union bodies and potential merger proposals. He suggested unions consolidate their positions and present unified recommendations to the government. Where disagreements persist among unions, the administration indicated it would address these concerns separately, though proposals commanding broad consensus would receive priority consideration.

Union delegates raised concerns about compensation for the three-day strike period and the withdrawal of legal cases initiated during the industrial action. The Chief Minister instructed relevant officials to proceed with appropriate measures on both fronts.

Revanth Reddy reaffirmed the government's commitment to worker protection and organisational strengthening, while appealing to employees to contribute actively to institutional improvement. He highlighted recent achievements, including expansion of the bus fleet, enhanced recruitment efforts, and improved revenue streams, attributing these gains partly to workforce dedication.

The administration is developing infrastructure to support modernisation efforts. A 100-acre site at Gajularamaram has been designated for a bus terminal facility, while a 150-acre location in Shamshabad will host an international-standard terminal under development.

The government plans to acquire 1,000 electric buses and coordinate their operations with metro rail services. The Chief Minister noted that annual diesel expenditure currently reaches approximately Rs. 2,000 crore, making the transition to electric vehicles essential for cost management.

Additional initiatives include clearing outstanding financial obligations to workers and advancing compassionate appointment processes. The Chief Minister provided assurance that driver positions would remain intact and would not face reduction.

The Chief Minister called on both workforce and management to maintain collaborative relations and avoid actions detrimental to the corporation's interests, emphasizing the government's continued dedication to safeguarding employee entitlements.