APSRTC unions to intensify stir against e-bus privatisation

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of APSRTC employees’ unions on Sunday announced the second phase of its statewide agitation against what it described as the privatisation of the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) through the deployment of electric buses operated by private agencies.

Speaking to reporters after a union meeting at Revenue Bhavan in Vijayawada, RTC JAC conveners Y. Srinivasa Rao and Palisetti Damodara Rao stated that the protest is driven by three main goals: protecting the APSRTC, strengthening the state’s public transport, and safeguarding workers’ rights.

The union leaders alleged that the State government was allowing private operators to run electric buses under the e-bus programme while also leasing APSRTC depot land to them. They said repeated representations seeking operation of all electric buses by APSRTC had not elicited a response from the government, leaving them with no option but to intensify their agitation.

According to the JAC, four APSRTC depots have already been handed over to private operators for the deployment of 1,050 electric buses. It further alleged that 50 per cent of the land in eight more depots was being allotted to private agencies, while preparations were underway at 29 additional depots to accommodate another 1,450 electric buses.

The JAC said these developments indicated a phased plan to transfer the operation of APSRTC buses and depots to private entities by 2029.

The second phase of the agitation will begin with the observance of “APSRTC Protection Days” on July 7 and 8, during which employees will wear badges while on duty. From July 9 to 18, the unions will seek support from public representatives across political parties.

A statewide signature campaign will be held from July 19 to 26, followed by the submission of petitions to the Chief Minister through district collectors on July 27. A state-level JAC meeting on July 30 will decide the future course of action.