APSRTC employees’ JAC seeks cancellation of tenders to operate 1,450 electric buses by private parties

The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) Employees’ Joint Action Committee (JAC) has demanded that the tenders to operate 1,450 air-conditioned electric buses through private operators under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model be cancelled immediately.

JAC conveners Y. Srinivasa Rao and Palisetti Damodara Rao said that according to the tender notice issued on October 13, the corporation invited e-tenders from private operators to operate 1,450 AC electric buses, measuring 9 metres and 12 metres, across 29 depots. Bids would be accepted from 10 a.m. on November 9 to 5 p.m. on November 24.

The JAC leaders clarified that they were not opposed to the introduction of electric buses but insisted that the APSRTC should purchase them with government financial assistance and operate them using its own employees. They opposed handing over operational responsibilities to private companies under dry-lease or wet-lease arrangements.

The employee unions warned that the move could adversely affect the corporation’s revenue, employment opportunities and job security. They questioned the need to depend on private operators when APSRTC already had its own depots, experienced drivers, mechanical staff and operational infrastructure.

They argued that public assets and facilities should not be handed over to private entities.

The JAC also sought the procurement of 4,000 new buses to meet increased passenger demand following the implementation of the Stree Shakti scheme. It also demanded regular recruitment to fill around 15,000 vacant posts and the immediate reopening of the Vidyadharapuram, Guntur-2, Nellore-2 and Mangalam depots, which were closed earlier.

They said as part of their protest, the employees will wear black badges while attending duties across RTC depots and units on October 22 and 23 and on October 26, the JAC will hold a meeting in Vijayawada to announce its future course of action.

The conveners urged the government and APSRTC management to cancel the tenders and hold discussions with the JAC and warned of intensifying the agitation across the State by involving all employee unions if their demands were not addressed.

The JAC said protecting APSRTC and ensuring employees’ job security remained its primary objectives, along with strengthening the public transport system.