Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Friday, May 1, unveiled an ambitious expansion plan for the state’s road transport infrastructure, announcing two world-class bus terminals, a fleet of 1,000 electric buses and mini buses for the TGSRTC, all as part of a broader effort to modernise and financially stabilise the corporation.
Speaking to representatives of various Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) unions on May Day, Revanth Reddy said the state government plans to build a 150-acre bus terminus at Shamshabad and a 100-acre facility at Gajularamaram. The 1,000 electric buses would be integrated with the Hyderabad Metro network, he said. Purchase of mini buses for TGSRTC is also on the cards.
Electric buses to cut diesel burden
The CM made the case for the shift to electric buses on financial grounds. TGSRTC currently spends Rs 2,000 crore annually on diesel alone, he noted, making the transition to electric vehicles not just an environmental move but an economic necessity.
“There is a need to increase revenue while reducing expenses,” he said.
On arrears, salaries and strike cases
Revanth Reddy told union leaders that a decision on Pay Revision Commission (PRC) arrears would be taken shortly. He also urged them to engage constructively on two contentious issues — the proposed merger of TGSRTC with the state government and the conduct of union elections — asking that these be discussed in a phased and planned manner.
Reminding union leaders that the accumulated arrears were a legacy of the previous government, the CM pointed out that compassionate appointments had been made under the present dispensation. He also noted that Rs 1,000 crore was released to settle workers’ dues after Congress came to power, despite fiscal constraints, and that the Mahalakshmi free travel scheme had resulted in Rs 8,000 crore being paid to the TGSRTC.
In a significant concession, the CM assured union leaders that salaries would not be withheld for the three days workers were on strike, and that police cases registered against workers at various stations during the strike would be withdrawn.
“Workers must cooperate to strengthen and stabilise the institution. There should be a friendly atmosphere between the workers and the TGSRTC management,” Revanth Reddy said.
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