APSRTC employees’ JAC seeks cancellation of tenders to operate 1,450 electric buses by private parties

The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) Employees’ Joint Action Committee (JAC) has demanded that the tenders to operate 1,450 air-conditioned electric buses through private operators under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model be cancelled immediately.

JAC conveners Y. Srinivasa Rao and Palisetti Damodara Rao said that according to the tender notice issued on October 13, the corporation invited e-tenders from private operators to operate 1,450 AC electric buses, measuring 9 metres and 12 metres, across 29 depots. Bids would be accepted from 10 a.m. on November 9 to 5 p.m. on November 24.

The JAC leaders clarified that they were not opposed to the introduction of electric buses but insisted that the APSRTC should purchase them with government financial assistance and operate them using its own employees. They opposed handing over operational responsibilities to private companies under dry-lease or wet-lease arrangements.