Ponnam Prabhakar warns against attacks on RTC employees, hands job to driver’s son

Hyderabad: Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar warned of strict legal action against anyone who physically attacked RTC employees. He said the public must protect transport staff. At the same time, the corporation had to provide better passenger services.

The minister also fulfilled a promise to the family of Shankar Goud. He was a driver at the Narsampet RTC depot and died by suicide. On the occasion, Prabhakar handed an appointment letter to his son, Hemant Goud. RTC Managing Director Nagireddy joined the minister at the event. Hemant received the post of Record Treasurer.

Prabhakar said the government had supported the family in every possible way. Accordingly, the government and RTC had already paid compensation on the Chief Minister’s directions. In addition, RTC employees across Telangana contributed one day’s salary. Their contribution amounted to nearly Rs 1 crore. This provided financial support to the bereaved family. The minister said the government had now honoured its promise by giving Hemant a job.

RTC employees deserve protection amid rising passenger demand

Prabhakar urged passengers to report rude behaviour or mistakes by RTC staff to senior officials. However, he warned them against physical attacks. Instead, passengers should use the official complaint channels. He also praised employees who returned valuables left behind on buses. Such belongings were worth lakhs of rupees. According to the minister, many RTC employees had shown honesty in handling them.

Meanwhile, the minister said RTC was adding buses to manage increased passenger demand under the Mahalakshmi scheme. The scheme provides free bus travel for women. Alongside the additional services, the corporation was planning to buy new buses. It was also taking steps to modernise bus stations.

Furthermore, Prabhakar said villages needing bus services could approach local officials. First, the department would verify the proposed routes. Then, it would assess their feasibility before extending services to those villages.