Hyderabad: Frustrated over the irregular RTC services to their villages, a group of college students staged a protest at Shadnagar crossroads, demanding an increase in the number of buses during peak hours. The students lamented that the existing services were insufficient and often led to dangerous overcrowding, leaving them anxious about their safety.
"We have been facing this issue for months now. We are crammed into a few available buses like sardines. It's not only uncomfortable but also extremely risky," said B. Karthikeya, a student from Gurunanak Institute of Technology in Ibrahimpatnam.
The students said they had approached the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) multiple times and highlighted their difficulties, especially during the morning rush. Despite their repeated appeals, no tangible action has been taken to resolve the issue.
"Every morning, we are left waiting at the bus stop, unsure if we will get to college on time. The few buses that do arrive are already overcrowded. This has become a daily struggle, and on many days we resort to dangerous footboarding to reach the college," said another student Ramya Sri Thota.
The protesting students warned that if the TGSRTC management did not respond to their demands promptly, they would be forced to escalate their protests across the state.
The TGSRTC has not been able to meet the growing demand for public transportation, particularly in areas with a high concentration of educational institutions. Many have also expressed concern over the safety of students who are often seen clinging to the footboards of overcrowded buses.
The students urged TGSRTC managing director V. C. Sajjanar to intervene and deploy additional buses during peak hours to ensure their safety and punctuality. Sajjanar was unavailable for comment.
