JAC of APSRTC employees demands cancellation of tenders for operation of 1,450 electric buses by private parties

The Employees’ Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) has demanded immediate cancellation of tenders for running 1,450 air-conditioned electric buses through private operators under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model.

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

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

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

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

JAC has also sought to procure 4,000 new buses to meet the increased passenger demand after the implementation of the Stree Shakti scheme. He also demanded regular recruitment to fill about 15,000 vacancies and immediate reopening of Vidyadharapuram, Guntur-2, Nellore-2 and Mangalam depots which were closed earlier.

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

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

The JAC said protecting the APSRTC and ensuring the safety of its employees remained its primary objectives along with strengthening the public transport system.

Published – 15 Oct 2026 23:12 IST