MM Farooqui Hyderabad

Schoolstudents on Wednesday staged a dharna at Saibaba Nagar in Quthbullapur, in the jurisdiction of Suraram Police Station, protesting against RTC buses allegedly failing to stop at the designated bus stop. The protest caused traffic disruption as students sat on the road and blocked RTC buses. At several points, students reportedly stood in front of buses that passed the bus stop without stopping, demanding that the services halt at the designated stop.

The students said they had already submitted representations to the depot manager highlighting the difficulties faced by students, employees and elderly passengers due to buses not stopping at Saibaba Nagar. However, they alleged that no action had been taken so far.

The shortage of buses on the route has also forced commuters to travel in overcrowded buses. Students said hanging from footboards has become a common sight, with even girl students facing difficulties while travelling during peak hours.

“The IT sector has its own pick-and-drop facilities for employees, while students are forced to travel in overcrowded RTC buses due to the low frequency of services in the city and its outskirts,” a protesting student said.

The students alleged that although the corporation operates limited services on several stretches in Quthbullapur, additional facilities are being provided for employees working in the IT sector. They urged the RTC authorities to increase the frequency of buses and introduce additional mini-buses for students during peak hours.

“We have already brought the issue to the notice of the depot manager, but there has been no response. At least additional mini-buses should be operated during peak hours so that students can travel safely,” a student said. The agitation led to severe traffic snarls in the area, inconveniencing motorists and other commuters. The students urged RTC authorities to address the issue at the earliest and ensure that buses stop at the Saibaba Nagar bus stop.