APSRTC Using On-Call Drivers Raises Safety, Punctuality Concerns
3 Sept 2026 10:23 PM IST3 Sept 2026 10:23 PM IST
There have been several occasions when bus services have been cancelled as on-call drivers are unavailable
Representational Image
Kurnool: Shortage of regular drivers is forcing Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) depots to increasingly depend on drivers “on-call” whom it hires on a daily-wage basis. Over time, the on-call driver system has led to concerns related to service reliability and passenger safety.
With many regular drivers retiring and others facing age-related or health issues, depot managers are reportedly struggling to operate services. On several occasions, they have cancelled services when on-call drivers are unavailable.
RTC officials disclose that around 4,000 on-call drivers are currently working across Andhra Pradesh. APSRTC owns more than 8,200 buses and has hired more than 2,600 hired buses for running its services in the state. Sources said dependence on temporary drivers has increased with no new recruitment in recent years.
Candidates holding a heavy vehicle driving licence with a vintage of around one-and-a-half years are reportedly being subject to a basic driving test before being considered for on-call duties. The arrangement has led to questions whether such drivers have experience of operating passenger buses.
An on-call driver speeding with an RTC bus near Aspari in Kurnool district ran over 70-year-old P. Damodaramma who had been crossing the road, leading to her death. This has led to issues of compensation to accident victims. P. Govardhan Reddy said there has been a delay in settling compensation. “We are now being told that we may have to approach the court to get compensation,” he said.
Further, there are concerns over maintenance of vehicles. Two months ago, a driver travelling from Anantapur to Kadapa reportedly informed the Kadapa depot that the bus headlights were not functioning properly while driving in the night. A depot official allegedly told him, “First get your eyes checked. Why is this problem occurring only when you are driving?” The driver did not pursue the matter thereafter.
RTC Kurnool regional transport manager M. Srinivasulu has defended the on-call recruitment process. “We conduct all the required tests before engaging on-call drivers,” he maintained. He said compensation in RTC accident cases is settled through Lok Adalats.
A senior Kadapa region official said the corporation has been relying on on-call drivers because regular driver recruitment had not taken place for some time.
The growing dependence on temporary drivers has emerged as an operational necessity, though safety concerns are also being raised.
APSRTC operations in the state:
No of APSRTC buses – 8,200
Hired buses – 2,600
Daily passengers – 4.1 million
On-call drivers – 4,000
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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