HYDERABAD: Even after a year of APSRTC halting its service through the Osmania University (OU) campus, thousands of students are still literally slogging it out by walking through the sprawling campus or depending upon the generosity of passing two-wheeler drivers.
With the state government bringing out exam notifications for recruitment to over 50,000 jobs, enrolment by OU students at coaching centres in Sivam road, Vidya Nagar, Ashok Nagar and Dilsukh Nagar and nearby localities is at an all-time high. But it is getting there that proves a daily challenge for the students, who often have to hitch-hike or rely on their legs, come rain or shine. The students and officials say that RTC officials are refusing to yield even after several representations.
Most of the students at the university come from modest to poor economic backgrounds and can only afford to travel by city buses using student passes. With no buses, the students are starting out to coaching centres much earlier than required, often foregoing their food.
For girls, the condition is worse as they shy away from asking for a lift from strangers and the only option is to walk.
When contacted APSRTC officials said that they are only following the orders of the police and will be glad to resume their services once they get police permission.
DCP East Zone Y Gangadhar told Express that they will only permit RTC to resume services if the Telangana Student's Joint Action Committee give a written assurance that they will not attack RTC buses.