YSRCP Alleges Privatization Bid Behind APSRTC PPP Plan

The YSRCP Trade Union has strongly opposed the Andhra Pradesh government's move to introduce the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) , alleging that it is part of a broader attempt to gradually privatize the state-run public transport system.

Addressing the media, Trade Union district president Obireddy and YSRCP BC Cell State Working President Ramesh Goud said APSRTC is not merely a commercial enterprise driven by profits and losses, but a vital public service institution that serves rural communities, students, farmers, workers, women, senior citizens, and economically weaker sections across the state.

The leaders argued that the corporation's primary objective has always been to provide affordable and accessible transportation rather than maximize profits. They contended that allowing greater private sector participation could undermine APSRTC's social responsibility and weaken public access to essential transport services.

Their remarks come amid the government's efforts to modernize APSRTC through infrastructure development, electric mobility initiatives, and PPP-based projects. The corporation has proposed developing several major bus stations under PPP formats, a move that has already triggered opposition from employee unions and workers' organizations.

The YSRCP leaders warned that if the PPP model is expanded, it could result in higher ticket fares , reduced services to rural and remote areas , and uncertainty over the future of thousands of APSRTC employees. They expressed concern that job security, employee welfare, and public accountability could be compromised.

Referring to the Stree Shakti free bus travel scheme , the leaders noted that while the initiative has significantly increased women's ridership and improved bus occupancy across the state, APSRTC continues to depend on government reimbursement for the fare revenue forgone under the welfare programme. They argued that the rise in passenger numbers demonstrates the importance of strengthening public transport rather than handing it over to private operators.

The speakers recalled that during the previous YSRCP government , APSRTC was merged with the state government, providing employees with greater assurance on salaries, welfare benefits, and job security. Accusing the current coalition government of pursuing policies that could transfer public assets into private hands, they urged it to protect APSRTC as a public service institution.

Among those present were Trade Union State General Secretary Korapadu Hussain Peera , Nagesh Gujjala , YSRCP city president Chinta Somasekhar Reddy , district affiliate leader Amarnath Reddy , and other party representatives.