APSRTC – Union Talks End Without Agreement Over Electric Bus Operations
APSRTC – Talks between the APSRTC Employees’ Joint Action Committee and Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation officials ended without an agreement in Vijayawada on Monday, as employee representatives raised concerns over electric bus operations, recruitment and pending financial support from the government.
Discussions Held at RTC House
The meeting took place at RTC House in Vijayawada and was attended by senior APSRTC executive directors. During the discussions, officials outlined the government’s approach towards expanding electric bus services across the state.
APSRTC JAC convener Y Srinivas said the employees’ side had no objection to the introduction of electric buses. However, the committee maintained that the corporation itself should run the vehicles rather than handing their operation to private agencies.
Demand for New Buses and Recruitment
The union representatives also asked the management to procure 4,000 new buses to strengthen the public transport network. According to Srinivas, no clear assurance was given by the authorities on the proposed purchase during the meeting.
The JAC further sought the immediate filling of vacant posts in APSRTC. Union leaders said the shortage of staff was affecting daily operations and could become more serious as the corporation moves towards a larger electric vehicle fleet.
Concerns Over Private Operations
JAC leader Palisetti Damodar said the proposed model for operating and maintaining battery-powered buses could reduce the role of the state-run corporation over time. He argued that replacing diesel buses with electric vehicles through private operating arrangements could place APSRTC employees at a disadvantage.
According to the union, a gradual shift in bus operations and maintenance to outside agencies may limit future employment opportunities within the corporation. The committee said it wanted electric mobility to be introduced in a way that protects the public transport system and preserves regular jobs.
Stree Shakti Reimbursement Raised
Another major issue discussed during the meeting was reimbursement under the Stree Shakti scheme. The JAC alleged that APSRTC was receiving around Rs 160 crore each month, while the amount required to meet the scheme’s operational costs was close to Rs 300 crore.
Union representatives said timely and complete reimbursement was necessary for the corporation to manage services, maintain buses and invest in electric mobility. They argued that adequate funding would allow APSRTC to operate electric buses directly without depending on private operators.
Protest Plans Announced
The employee committee expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of the talks and said it would consider stronger protest measures from Tuesday if its demands were not addressed. The JAC has asked the government and APSRTC management to provide written clarity on bus procurement, staffing, electric bus operations and scheme reimbursements.
The discussions come as Andhra Pradesh expands its focus on cleaner public transport and electric vehicle adoption. While APSRTC employees have supported the shift towards electric buses, the union has called for the transition to remain under the direct control of the state transport corporation.