The APSRTC Employees’ Joint Action Committee (RTC JAC) has reached out to unions, student and youth organisations for backing its planned Maha Dharna on August 28 outside District Public Transport Officers’ offices, after two months of peaceful protests yielded no government response.

Key Takeaways

  • APSRTC JAC seeks support from unions and student bodies.
  • Proposes a Maha Dharna on August 28 across all districts.
  • Demands full purchase of electric buses and filling of vacant posts.

Escalation of APSRTC JAC’s Agitation

On August 9 in Vijayawada, the APSRTC Employees’ Joint Action Committee met with APNGOs State President A. Vidya Sagar and AP JAC Chairman to request broader backing for its employee‑rights campaign. Despite two months of peaceful strikes, the state government has remained silent, prompting a third‑phase escalation.

The committee clarified that it does not oppose the introduction of electric buses; rather, it insists that all electric buses be purchased and operated by existing RTC staff. It also called for an immediate notification to fill vacant posts and a guarantee against any privatization of the corporation.

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Vidya Sagar publicly endorsed these demands, urging the government to act swiftly on recruitment and to refrain from leasing depot land to private entities.

Historical Background

The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) has a long history of labour disputes over wages, pensions, and staffing. The 2023 “Stree Shakti” scheme increased bus numbers but failed to address recruitment shortfalls, fueling employee dissatisfaction.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that such collective action not only safeguards worker rights but also directly impacts the reliability and quality of public transport services across the state. Unresolved grievances could lead to severe disruptions for daily commuters.

"A shortage of buses combined with staff unrest undermines the entire public‑transport ecosystem," says transport analyst Dr. Rajat Singh.
Did You Know?: APSRTC introduced its first electric bus in 2020, yet only about 15% of its fleet is electric today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: When and where will the Maha Dharna take place?
Answer: It is scheduled for August 28 outside the District Public Transport Officers’ offices in every district headquarters.

Question 2: Which student and youth organisations are supporting the protest?
Answer: The All India Students Federation (AISF) and All India Youth Federation (AIYF) state leaders have pledged full support.