Hyderabad, April 10 : In a major relief for public transport workers, the Telangana government has approved a 6% Dearness Allowance (DA) hike for over 50,000 TGSRTC employees, effective immediately from April 2026, helping combat rising living costs.
Immediate Salary Boost
Transport Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy announced the decision during a high-level cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. The DA increase—from 42% to 48% of basic pay—will add ₹1,500-2,800 monthly to conductors, drivers, mechanics, and administrative staff, benefiting 52,000 workers across 10,000+ buses.
“This fulfills our poll promise to government employees. TGSRTC runs Telangana’s lifeline—our bus staff deserve this support,” Reddy stated at a press conference.
Financial Impact Breakdown
| Category | Employees | Monthly Gain | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drivers/Conductors | 35,000 | ₹2,200 avg | ₹924 Cr |
| Technical Staff | 10,000 | ₹1,800 avg | ₹216 Cr |
| Office Staff | 7,000 | ₹1,600 avg | ₹134 Cr |
| Total | 52,000 | ₹1,900 avg | ₹1,274 Cr |
The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) operates 11,000 routes daily, carrying 50 lakh passengers. Last year’s 4% DA hike cost ₹900 crore annually.
Employee Reactions Pour In
TGSRTC Workers Union president Y. Nagesh welcomed the move. “First hike in 14 months—helps with school fees, EMIs. But we need filling 3,000 vacancies too,” he told reporters.
Commuters praised the timing. “Bus staff work long hours in heat. This keeps service smooth,” said Hyderabad office-goer Priya Sharma.
Context: DA Hike Pattern
Telangana follows central government DA revisions twice yearly (January, July). Employee unions demanded 9% citing 7.2% inflation, settling at 6% after negotiations. Karnataka and Maharashtra announced similar hikes last week.
Political Significance
The announcement comes ahead of Greater Hyderabad Municipal elections. Ruling Congress positions it against previous BRS government’s delays. “Revanth Reddy walks the talk unlike KCR’s empty promises,” tweeted PCC spokesperson captured.
Financial Sustainability Questions
TGSRTC reported ₹3,200 crore revenue last fiscal against ₹2,800 crore expenses. Analysts worry free bus scheme for women (₹1,500 Cr annual cost) strains margins. “DA hike sustainable if fares rationalised slightly,” noted transport expert Prof. K. Rama Rao.
Looking Ahead
Cabinet approved additional ₹200 crore for electric bus procurement and staff housing. Next DA revision due July 2026.
This Telangana DA hike for TGSRTC employees delivers much-needed financial relief to essential workers powering daily commutes, while spotlighting ongoing challenge of balancing employee welfare with public transport economics in India’s fastest-urbanising state.
