BRS leaders meet TGSRTC MD, submit memorandum demanding rollback of RTC fare hike

Hyderabad: BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao (KTR), Siddipet MLA Harish Rao, and senior leaders staged a protest in Hyderabad on Thursday, demanding that the government roll back the recent hike in RTC bus fares. The protest marked a renewed push by the party to oppose what it termed an “anti-people” decision.

BRS protest over RTC bus fare hike in Hyderabad

Amid tight security, KTR, Harish Rao, former ministers Talasani Srinivas Yadav, T. Padma Rao, and P. Sabitha Indra Reddy, and several legislators travelled by RTC buses to Bus Bhavan. They boarded buses from Rethifile Bus Stop and Mehdipatnam Bus Stop as part of the ‘Chalo Bus Bhavan’ programme.

Meanwhile, hundreds of party supporters joined them on the route. Consequently, the convoy drew large public attention. Police stopped the leaders near RTC X Roads, citing security concerns. However, they later allowed only senior leaders to proceed to Bus Bhavan.

At the RTC headquarters, the delegation met officials and submitted a formal representation to the TGSRTC Managing Director. Moreover, the leaders demanded the immediate withdrawal of the fare hike in Greater Hyderabad city limits. They also sought clarity on the government’s pending dues to the corporation.

KTR demands protection for RTC workers and rollback of hike

After meeting RTC officials, KTR addressed the media outside Bus Bhavan. He said the BRS was representing both RTC employees and common passengers through its protest.

He urged the government not to privatise the RTC “under any circumstances.” In addition, he said the fare hike was unjustified and had placed a heavy burden on poor and middle-class commuters. “The government must reduce the bus fares immediately,” he added.

Furthermore, KTR stated that the free bus travel scheme for women was the government’s own policy decision. “It is wrong to claim losses from that scheme and shift the burden onto ordinary passengers,” he said. Finally, he appealed to the state to reconsider its approach and protect public transport from financial distress.