Despite these internal issues, TGSRTC has seen a resurgence in public usage since the Congress government introduced the Mahalakshmi scheme of free travel for women on December 9, 2023. Since its rollout, daily ridership has surged to nearly 60 lakh passengers.
Hyderabad: The Telangana Road Transport Corporation (TGRTC) is grappling with a severe staff shortage, with employees estimating a deficit of 8,000 to 9,000 personnel. The burden on the current workforce has increased significantly, with employees alleging extended shifts and cancelled weekly offs.
The delays in monthly salary disbursals are compounding the problem, they said. “Today is the 8th, and salaries have not been credited. Only drivers and conductors have received their pay,” a staff member said, expressing frustration over the delay.
TGSRTC employs around 40,600 personnel and has been losing manpower steadily due to retirements. Despite an announcement last July by transport minister Ponam Prabhakar to fill 3,003 vacancies, no notification has been issued so far. Employees complain that the lack of fresh hires has led to forced overtime and excessive workload.
“The situation is worsening,” said Kamalakar Goud, traffic controller at Kukatpally depot. “Each depot faces a shortage of 8 to 10 assistant depot clerks. Drivers and conductors are being made to work overtime, often without weekly offs. The government must release job notifications immediately.” He added, “It’s the 8th of the month, and our salaries are still pending. Most of us have loans. If we fail to repay on time, we risk being blacklisted.”
Despite these internal issues, TGSRTC has seen a resurgence in public usage since the Congress government introduced the Mahalakshmi scheme of free travel for women on December 9, 2023. Since its rollout, daily ridership has surged to nearly 60 lakh passengers.
At present, 9,600 buses operate under TGSRTC’s fleet. Insiders caution that without immediate recruitment and timely salaries, service quality and staff morale will continue to decline. The corporation, once deep in losses, is slowly inching towards recovery, but the staff shortage and salary delays threaten to undo the gains.
