CPI(M) urges Chandrababu Naidu to halt handing over of RTC depots to private electric bus operators

The CPI(M) on Wednesday (February 25) urged Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to immediately stop the proposed handing over of RTC depots to private operators for running electric buses, stating that the move would harm both the State transport corporation and public interest.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister, CPI(M) State secretary V. Srinivasa Rao expressed concern over reports that the government has decided to allot 12 locations under 11 depots to Pune-based Pinnacle Company for operating private electric buses under the PM e-bus service scheme.

The Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model, under which private agencies operate buses, would not benefit either the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) or commuters, he said.

Orders have reportedly been issued to fully hand over the Vidyadharapuram depot in Vijayawada, Guntur-2, Nellore-2, and Mangalam depot in Tirupati, besides partially allocating eight other depots to private entities, he said.

The CPI(M) leader demanded that the government hold discussions with trade unions and transport experts before taking a final decision.

Referring to the implementation of the ‘Stree Shakti’ scheme, he said passenger traffic has increased significantly, resulting in a higher workload on existing staff.