TSRTC to ply 4,000 buses

MEDARAM JATARA

Warangal: The TSRTC Karimnagar zone Executive Director G Satyanarayana has sought unconditional involvement of workers and officials in serving the devotees attending Sammakka Saralamma Jatara at Medaram in Warangal district.

He said the RTC was aiming to cater transport services to about 25 lakh people, one-fourth of the total number of devotees, by engaging 12,000 employees from across the State. As many as 55 pickup points were set up under the zone.

Satyanarayana was addressing the leaders of different RTC employees’ unions. The meeting was called to solicit ideas from the union leaders for smooth conduct of the jatara and ensure a better coordination between officials and workers.

He said the RTC was planning to deploy 4,000 buses to operate about 64,000 trips during the eight days. “This is the occasion to show our ability and hence everyone should make 100 per cent contribution,” he said.

He promised to provide all facilities to the employees while asking them to deliver their duties effectively. “Medaram Jatara is the biggest in the world and we should be ready to sacrifice our comfort to serve the devotees,” he added.

Referring to various demands put forth by the union leaders, the ED said a meeting with the recognised trade unions would be held soon. Positive efforts would be made to deliver the demands that were practically possible.

Earlier, RTC employees’ union leaders Mallesham and Venkanna, TMU leaders Ashok and ES Babu, Yakaswamy of NMU and Chander and Yadagiri of SWF narrated the short comings they would face during Jatara.

They sought the management to increase over time (OT) allowance, proper facilities at restrooms and food and medical services. They also wanted well working Ticket Issuing Machines (TIMs) as technical snags caused delayed operations in the past.

Some of the leaders suggested involving union leaders in ensuring proper vehicle traffic management and to ban movement of lorries and tractors carrying sand load on Pasra-Medaram road to avoid traffic jams.

Warangal Regional Manager E Yadagiri asked workers to cooperate with the management and not to mind minor issues. The workers should show discipline, commitment and dedication as the Jatara involves people’s sentiments. Additional SP John Wesley said State government has taken the Jatara
prestigiously.

“If the police and RTC succeed in delivering their duties effectively the festival would be a success,” he opined. A coordination meeting of police and RTC employees would soon be called. As suggested by union leaders, the movement of lorries and tractors carrying sand load on the road leading to Medaram would be stopped during Jatara, he added.

RTC regional managers-M Vijay Kumar (Adilabad), V Chandrasekhar (Karimnagar) and G Ramakanth (Nizamabad); security officer V Surender Reddy, RTC Staff College principal V Bhaskar Rao and others were present.