Telangana Transport Strike: Services Crippled, Passengers Stranded

Telangana's public transport is severely hit by a strike. This means many people cannot get to work or home easily, and private travel is much more expensive.
By Newsroom | Transport, Telangana |

A widespread strike by Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) employees has plunged the state into transport chaos. Services remain crippled across Telangana, leaving countless passengers stranded and forcing reliance on costly private alternatives. The strike, marked by depot blockades and intensified protests, has drawn sharp criticism and counter-accusations between political factions, particularly concerning the fate of the public transport corporation.

The TGSRTC strike, which has disrupted services statewide, comes amidst a backdrop of ongoing political maneuvers involving the Kaleshwaram project and accusations of attempted privatization of the public transport entity.

Transport Minister targets KCR, Harish Rao over Telangana RTC strike - 1

Political Accusations Fly Over RTC's Future

BRS leader T Harish Rao has publicly accused the current Congress government of deliberately weakening the TGSRTC, creating an environment conducive to its privatization. Rao pointed to unmet financial obligations, including the alleged non-release of ₹2,804 crore due under the Mahalakshmi scheme, as a means of shifting financial burdens onto the corporation and precipitating its decline. He also flagged pending pay revision commissions and delayed retirement benefits for RTC staff as significant hardships contributing to the unrest.

Read More: Telangana RTC Strike Stops 9,000 Buses, Affects 65 Lakh Daily

Disruptions were particularly acute in regions like Adilabad and Medak, where villagers faced severe inconvenience. Reports emerged of private buses encountering resistance, and commuters turning to autos and inter-state buses. In Karimnagar, an RTC bus operated by a private driver reportedly collided with a truck, resulting in injuries.

Transport Minister targets KCR, Harish Rao over Telangana RTC strike - 2

"The TGSRTC is a lifeline for the poor and supports around 40,000 worker families." - Transport Minister

The Transport Minister highlighted the initiation of alternative transport arrangements, including bolstered MMTS and Metro services in Hyderabad, to mitigate the impact of the strike.

Kaleshwaram Project Under Scrutiny

Meanwhile, legal proceedings concerning the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project continue to unfold. The Telangana High Court has previously granted interim relief to former Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) and Harish Rao, restraining any action based on a commission's report into alleged irregularities. The court has also cited procedural lapses in its decisions. Earlier probes involved KCR appearing before a commission, presenting details of the project's planning and execution. Reports also suggest internal discussions within the BRS, involving KCR and Harish Rao, strategizing responses to these inquiries and allegations.

Read More: London Tube strike 22 April 2026 causes travel delays for commuters

Background

The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) has long been a significant public service provider. The current strike and the accompanying political rhetoric emerge against a broader landscape of past governance and ongoing investigations into major infrastructure projects. The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), led by KCR, previously governed the state for ten years, overseeing projects like Kaleshwaram. The current Congress government is now navigating these issues, facing accusations from the opposition while attempting to address public service disruptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are buses not running in Telangana?
Employees of the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) are on strike. This has stopped most bus services across the state.
Q: How does the TGSRTC strike affect passengers?
Passengers are stranded and cannot use public buses. Many have to pay more for private taxis or buses.
Q: What are politicians saying about the strike?
Opposition leaders accuse the government of trying to privatize TGSRTC. They say the government is not paying money owed to the corporation.
Q: What is the government doing about the strike?
The Transport Minister said they are adding more trains and metro services in Hyderabad to help people travel.
Q: Is the Kaleshwaram project related to the strike?
The article mentions the Kaleshwaram project is also facing legal issues. However, it is not directly stated as the cause of the transport strike.