All RTC buses back on roads

HYDERABAD: RTC bus services were restored to normal on Sunday after 27 days of strike as part of the Sakala Janula Samme much to the relief of commuters.Many buses were restored since Saturday night itself after the striking staff decided to postpone the agitation in view of the inconvenience caused to public.All 60,000 employees, including drivers, conductors and workers of the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) returned to work in all 10 districts of the Telangana region.About 10,000 buses, including more than 3,000 buses in Hyderabad city had hit the roads even before the dawn.Though the state leaders of the National Mazdoor Union, the recognised union of the RTC, called off the strike on October 10, a majority of the staff continued the strike stating that the state leaders did not consult them before holding talks with the government and formed a new front named as the NMU Telangana Forum.Despite remaining firm on their respective stances initially, both the RTC management and the T leaders climbed down in talks convened by transport minister Botcha Satyanarayana on Saturday. The government had assured to regularise the services of 6,000 contract employees and also pay salary to workers for the strike period of 27 days. According to officials, the strike has caused a loss of  Rs. 7 crore per day.