Published Apr 25, 2026 | 9:27 AM ⚊ Updated Apr 25, 2026 | 10:09 AM
RTC calls off strike. (Supplied)
Synopsis: One of the major outcomes of the meeting was the government’s agreement to conduct long-pending elections for according recognition to one of several RTC unions. The elections, which have been in limbo for nearly a decade, are seen as a crucial step in restoring democratic representation within the corporation. The government has directed RTC management to make necessary arrangements to conduct the elections at the earliest.
After RTC driver Shankar Goud died of suicide, amid the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) worker’s strike, the TGSRTC employees Joint Action Committee (JAC) on Friday, 24 April called off its three day-old strike following a series of assurances from the state government on long-pending demands, including pay revision, elections to declare recognised union, and renewed discussions on the merger issue. The announcement brought relief to commuters and signalled a breakthrough in tense negotiations. The buses are set to return onto the roads on Saturday, 25 April.
The decisions came after marathon talks led by Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka. Addressing the JAC members, he said: “RTC is our family. It is deeply moving when a member of our family is lost,” he said, referring to the death of an Shankar Goud that had cast a shadow over the agitation.
The negotiations, described by officials as “constructive and result-oriented,” involved Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, along with ministers Sridhar Babu, Vivek Venkataswamy, and Adluri Laxman Kumar. Senior bureaucrats, including the Chief Secretary and a team of IAS officers, also participated in the discussions with the JAC.
Also read: TGSRTC strike: Protester dies by suicide, Chief Minister appeals against hasty decisions
According to Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, the talks were held in multiple rounds. “We first held detailed consultations with senior officials in the morning. This was followed by an extensive interaction with the Deputy Chief Minister, where the concerns of RTC workers were discussed threadbare,” he said.
The deliberations covered both policy-level decisions to be taken by the government and operational issues falling within the purview of RTC management.
One of the major outcomes of the meeting was the government’s agreement to conduct long-pending elections for according recognition to one of several RTC unions. The elections, which have been in limbo for nearly a decade, are seen as a crucial step in restoring democratic representation within the corporation. The government has directed RTC management to make necessary arrangements to conduct the elections at the earliest.
Another key announcement was the constitution of an official committee to examine the long-standing demand for the merger of RTC with the state government. The issue, pending for several years, has been a central point of contention between employees and the administration. Officials said the committee will include representatives from the government, RTC management, and employee unions.
On the financial front, the government announced an 11 percent Pay Revision Commission (PRC) for RTC employees. The decision came after both sides acknowledged the financial constraints of the corporation and the fiscal limitations of the government. “After understanding each other’s positions, a balanced decision was taken,” sources said.
The government also made it clear that several operational issues raised by employees would n be addressed through continued dialogue between RTC management and trade unions. In this regard, the RTC administration has been instructed to proactively engage with employee representatives and resolve pending grievances without delay.
Also Read: Telangana RTC buses set to go off roads after talks between unions and govt fail
Welcoming the government’s response, RTC employees’ JAC announced the withdrawal of the strike, expressing cautious optimism over the commitments made. Union leaders, however, emphasized the need for timely implementation of the assurances, particularly on elections and the merger committee. Said JAC chairman E Venkanna:”The state government heard all our concerns. It has promised to address all of them as soon as possible. We are calling off the strike.”
Deputy Chief Minister Vikramarka urged employees to return to work and contribute to strengthening the public transport system. “RTC should emerge as a leader in public transport at the national level. That is our collective goal,” he said, calling for a renewed focus on efficiency and service delivery.
The end of the strike is expected to restore normalcy across the state’s transport network, which had been disrupted for days, inconveniencing thousands of commuters. While the immediate crisis appears to have been defused, much will depend on how swiftly and effectively the government follows through on its promises.
Also Read: Telangana RTC strike: Not all issues require same reactions
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
