{
  "id": 16198427,
  "title": "APSRTC talks fail as unions press for cancellation of 1,450 e-bus tenders",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/apsrtc-talks-fail-as-unions-press-for-cancellation-of-1-450-e-bus",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-23T15:02:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/apsrtc-talks-fail-as-unions-press-for-cancellation-of-1450-e-bus-tenders/article71616862.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "APSRTC talks failed on Friday as employee unions demanded cancellation of 1,450 e-bus tenders. APSRTC Joint Managing Director Siva Prasad held discussions with JAC leaders at RTC House in Vijayawada. The JAC opposed private operation of electric buses and sought filling of 15,000 vacancies and procurement of 4,000 diesel buses. APSRTC Employees’ Unions' JAC State conveners Y. Srinivasa Rao and Palisetti Damodara Rao stated that the committee reiterated its opposition to privatization of public transport services. The meeting followed JAC's notice on October 15 seeking cancellation of tenders issued on October 13 for electric bus operation. JAC leaders insisted on APSRTC staff operating the buses and not handing over public transport services to private operators. Siva Prasad claimed the tenders were issued per government decision and could not be canceled, while also promising to reopen closed depots and invite tenders for work. The JAC leaders highlighted successful protest programs across the state and demanded immediate filling of vacancies and procurement of diesel buses to handle increased passenger traffic due to the Stree Shakti free bus travel scheme for women. They also called for fleet strengthening ahead of Godavari and Krishna Pushkarams, asserting that better transport facilities would benefit pilgrims and enhance the government's reputation. JAC co-conveners warned of intensified agitation to protect employees' interests and safeguard public transport.",
  "summary": "JAC opposes private operation of electric buses, warns of intensified agitation; seeks filling of 15,000 vacancies and procurement of 4,000 diesel buses",
  "key_points": [
    "APSRTC talks broke down over e-bus tender cancellation demand",
    "Unions oppose privatization of public transport services",
    "JAC seeks staff operation of buses and diesel bus procurement"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The breakdown in negotiations signals a deepening conflict between state privatization efforts and labor unions fighting to protect public transport services and preserve existing employee roles.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}