Telangana RTC Strike: 3 Drivers Attempt Suicide, Govt To Hold Talks Today As Commuters Struggle

Last Updated:April 24, 2026, 07:20 IST

In Hyderabad, most depots are operating at a fraction of capacity, leaving lakhs of commuters to scramble for alternatives amid surge-priced autos and overloaded metro stations.

Three Telangana State Road Transport Corporation drivers attempted suicide across different districts as an indefinite strike by over 38,000 TGSRTC employees entered its second day.

The strike, which began on April 22 after talks between the RTC Joint Action Committee and the state government failed over 32 demands, has taken 6,000 buses off the roads statewide.

In Hyderabad, most depots are operating at a fraction of capacity, leaving lakhs of daily commuters to scramble for alternatives amid surge-priced autos and overloaded metro stations.

Why Should Hyderabadis Be Alarmed Right Now?

Over 60 lakh daily commuters are affected statewide — including nearly 14 lakh women who depend on the Mahalakshmi free bus scheme.

In Hyderabad’s own depots, the breakdown is stark: at Uppal depot, only four buses were pressed into service against a scheduled 90 morning trips. In Rajendranagar, not a single RTC bus operated. If you commute by bus, you’re already on your own.

What Happened To The Drivers?

According to Times of India, three drivers attempted suicide as the strike entered its second day on Thursday.

The most alarming incident occurred at Narsampet in Warangal, where 55-year-old driver K Shankar Goud doused himself in petrol and set himself ablaze at a depot protest, sustaining 80% burns. He was shifted to MGM Hospital and then to Hyderabad for better care.

Two other drivers — G Linga Reddy of Bhadrachalam, who consumed paraquat poison and is reported critical, and Venkanna of Miryalguda, whose self-immolation attempt was foiled by co-workers and police — further escalated the human cost of the standoff, per TOI.

(details to follow)

News cities hyderabad-news Telangana RTC Strike: 3 Drivers Attempt Suicide, Govt To Hold Talks Today As Commuters Struggle

Read More