HYDERABAD: Three days after observing a strike in support of their demands, the employees of the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) resumed bus operations on Saturday morning, bringing much-needed relief for countless passengers, particularly women and students.

The ever-busy Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS) in Afzalgunj, along with Jubilee Bus Station (JBS) and Ranigunj depots in Secunderabad, had been largely deserted over the past three days due to the strike. However, following successful negotiations, the drivers returned to work and started operating their usual routes. On Saturday morning, these once-quiet bus stations buzzed with activity as passengers hurried to catch their buses and reach their destinations.

The timing of the strike's resolution was fortuitous, as many families were traveling for weddings on Sunday. With companies like TGSRTC back in service, these families took full advantage of the bus system to visit relatives. After late-night discussions on Friday, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka successfully negotiated with leaders of the RTC Joint Action Committee (JAC), deciding to fulfill all 32 demands from the workers, including an 11 percent pay revision and agreement to hold elections.

For the past three days, passengers had little option but to rely on private transport operators, who charged exorbitant rates due to the lack of public bus services. The resolution of the strike did not just restore normalcy but also held significant financial relief for those who had been burdened by high fares. By reinstating bus services, TGSRTC is not only easing travel but also reinforcing its importance to the communities it serves.