Published Apr 23, 2026 | 8:55 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 23, 2026 | 8:55 PM
Three drivers attempt to die by suicide. (Screengrab)
Synopsis: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy appealed to RTC workers not to take any hasty decisions. He stated that taking extreme steps will not solve the problem and assured that the government is sincerely focusing on resolving the issues of the workers.
Amid the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) worker’s strike, three drivers have attempted to die by suicide, over the government’s failure to fulfil promises to RTC workers.
RTC driver Shankar Goud from Narsampet depot tried to die by suicide in Warangal district, after lighting himself.
Initially, he was transferred to MGM Warangal for treatment, and then was referred to private hospital in Hyderabad as his condition turned critical. He has sustained burns over 85 percent of his body.
Another RTC driver Venkan also poured petrol on himself in front of the Nalgonda bus depot and attempted to die by suicide, but was stopped by fellow workers.
D. Lingareddy, who was working as a driver at Bhadrachalam RTC Depot, also attempted to die by suicide by consuming pesticide.
Also Read: Telangana RTC buses set to go off roads after talks between unions and govt fail
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy appealed to RTC workers not to take any hasty decisions. He stated that taking extreme steps will not solve the problem and assured that the government is sincerely focusing on resolving the issues of the workers.
The Chief Minister also directed that ministers, under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka, should invite RTC union leaders for talks on Friday, 24 April. He also made it clear that the government is positive and committed to addressing the concerns of the workers.
Minister Ponnam Prabhakar in a statement said, “The government bears the responsibility to resolve the issues facing the RTC. Workers should refrain from taking hasty or ill-considered decisions. There was a slight delay as the matter required discussion at the Cabinet level.”
“A sub-committee led by ministers has been constituted specifically to address the workers’ concerns. Discussions with the JAC leaders are scheduled for Friday. The rumors that jobs will be cut due to the introduction of electric buses are incorrect, and the government remains committed to the welfare of the workers,” he added.
Minister Sridhar Babu stated that this “Praja Palana” (People’s Administration) is essentially a government for RTC workers. Tragedies often occur in moments of impulse, and he appealed to workers to avoid being influenced into such actions.
He stressed that families depend on them and requested that they not take extreme steps.
Health Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha stated that the RTC employee who attempted suicide is being shifted to Hyderabad for advanced medical care and will be treated at Apollo Hospitals in Hyderguda. He urged workers not to act out of anger or agitation and emphasized the need for dialogue to find solutions.
Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy appealed to RTC workers to refrain from self-sacrifices. Recalling past struggles, he said that after the formation of Telangana, during the previous government, even after a 58-day strike and the deaths of 36 individuals, there was a lack of concern. He stated that the Congress government has provided ₹10,000 crores to the RTC and introduced free travel for women on RTC buses in Telangana. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of RTC worker Shankar Goud.
(If you need support or know someone who has suicidal thoughts, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist or contact the helpline numbers of suicide prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families. Tele-MANAS: 14416; Life Suicide Prevention: 7893078930; Arogya Vani: 104; Sahay Helpline: 080-25497777; Roshni: 9166202000, 9127848584.)
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Sumit Jha)
