Bus fares need to be hiked to reduce burden on RTC, officials to Telangana CM

Telangana State Road Transport Corporation Officials on Thursday submitted to Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao that TSRTC continues to suffer losses due to the increase in prices of diesel, COVID-19 lockdown and huge amount of pending dues.

The officials explained that if the salaries of the TSRTC employees and staff are increased, there would be a heavy financial burden on the TSRTC. They made it clear that unless the government extends major financial assistance to the RTC and the ticket prices are raised, the financial burden of the RTC cannot be reduced, according to Telangana CMO.

The Chief Minister held a review meeting with TSRTC offcials on Thursday at Pragathi Bhavan on the RTC.

"Last time when the ticket prices are increased the diesel price was Rs 67 per litre. But within a short time, the diesel price is increased by Rs 15 per litre. This had a very adverse impact on TSRTC and increased the financial burden. The TSRTC incurred losses due to the lockdown imposed due to the Corna virus pandemic," the officials explained to Rao.

"As on date, there is a heavy burden of dues. Under these circumstances, salaries of the employees in RTC are to be increased. If the salaries are increased then it would be more burden on the RTC. TSRTC is not in a position to bear that burden. Hence, the state government should extend more financial assistance. Bus fares should be increased. Unless these two measures are taken, RTC will not be able to come out of the crisis," they added.

However, compared to the past, the TSRTC position is good now. With help from the state government and several measures taken in the RTC, there is a qualitative change in the RTC. "Occupancy rate went upto 58 per cent. This is gradually increasing. This is getting Rs 9 crore profit every day. The situation will be much better in the days to come. But the increase in diesel rates is causing losses to the RTC. Losses incurred due to lockdown and dues are still a financial burden on the TSRTC," they said.

( With inputs from ANI )