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APPTD union protests proposed RTC depot land allotment to Lulu

APPTD Union Stages Massive Protest Against Proposed Allotment of RTC Depot Land to Lulu Group in Vijayawada

VIJAYAWADA: In a significant escalation of tensions between labor unions and the state government, members of the Andhra Pradesh Public Transport Department (APPTD) Union organized a large-scale protest on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, outside the APSRTC depot in Vijayawada. The demonstration was aimed at opposing the proposed allotment of prime RTC depot land to the multinational retail giant Lulu Group. The union claims that this move threatens the livelihoods of thousands of public transport workers and undermines the integrity of the state's public transportation infrastructure.

The protest, which drew hundreds of participants including bus drivers, conductors, mechanics, and administrative staff from various RTC depots across Andhra Pradesh, began early in the morning with sloganeering and placards reading messages like "Save RTC Land for Public Use" and "No to Corporate Land Grab." Union leaders addressed the crowd, highlighting what they described as a blatant attempt by the government to privatize public assets under the guise of development. The agitation quickly gained momentum, with traffic disruptions reported along key routes in Vijayawada as protesters blocked entrances to the depot, forcing authorities to deploy additional police forces to maintain order.

At the heart of the controversy is a 10-acre parcel of land belonging to the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) depot in the bustling Ibrahimpatnam area of Vijayawada. This land, strategically located near major highways and urban centers, has been eyed for redevelopment for years. According to sources within the union, the state government has been in discussions with Lulu Group International, a UAE-based conglomerate known for its hypermarkets, malls, and hospitality ventures, to lease or allot the land for a massive commercial project. The proposed development is rumored to include a state-of-the-art shopping mall, multiplex, and office spaces, which proponents argue would boost local employment and economic growth in the region.

However, APPTD Union President K. Rama Rao vehemently opposed the plan during his speech at the protest site. "This is not development; this is daylight robbery of public property," Rao declared to the cheering crowd. He argued that the RTC depot serves as a critical hub for over 500 buses that ferry thousands of commuters daily across Vijayawada and neighboring districts. Allotting the land to a private entity like Lulu would displace essential operations, potentially leading to the relocation of the depot to a less accessible area, which could increase operational costs and inconvenience for both employees and passengers. Rao further alleged that the decision reeks of favoritism, pointing to Lulu Group's growing footprint in India, particularly in southern states, where it has secured several high-profile land deals in recent years.

The union's concerns are not isolated. Historical precedents in Andhra Pradesh have shown that similar land allotments to private firms have often resulted in job losses and reduced public services. For instance, in 2018, a portion of RTC land in Visakhapatnam was repurposed for industrial use, leading to protests and eventual concessions from the government. APPTD leaders drew parallels, warning that the current proposal could set a dangerous precedent for further privatization of APSRTC assets. "RTC is not just a transport corporation; it's the lifeline for the poor and middle-class who rely on affordable public buses," said Vice-President M. Lakshmi, a veteran conductor with over 20 years of service. She emphasized that any displacement could affect the 50,000-plus employees statewide, many of whom live in housing colonies adjacent to depots.

Government officials, on the other hand, have defended the proposal as a forward-thinking initiative to modernize underutilized public land. In a statement released earlier this week, the Andhra Pradesh Transport Minister reiterated that the allotment is part of a broader urban development plan aligned with the state's vision for smart cities. "The partnership with Lulu Group will generate thousands of jobs and attract investments worth crores," the minister claimed, adding that alternative arrangements would be made for RTC operations to ensure minimal disruption. Sources close to the administration revealed that negotiations with Lulu have been ongoing since late 2024, with the group committing to infrastructure improvements in the area, including better road connectivity and public amenities.

Despite these assurances, the protest highlighted deeper grievances within the RTC workforce. Union members pointed out chronic issues plaguing APSRTC, such as delayed salary payments, inadequate fleet maintenance, and a mounting debt burden exceeding Rs 5,000 crore. "Instead of selling off our land to corporates, the government should focus on reviving RTC by infusing funds and modernizing our buses," argued S. Venkatesh, a union secretary who has been vocal about workers' rights. He referenced a recent audit report that criticized the corporation's financial mismanagement, suggesting that land sales are a short-term fix that ignores long-term sustainability.

The demonstration also garnered support from opposition political parties and civil society groups. Leaders from the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) joined the fray, accusing the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led coalition of prioritizing corporate interests over public welfare. "This is a classic case of crony capitalism," said YSRCP spokesperson P. Anil Kumar, who addressed the protesters briefly. Environmental activists, too, voiced concerns, noting that converting depot land into a commercial complex could exacerbate urban congestion and pollution in Vijayawada, a city already grappling with rapid urbanization.

As the day progressed, the protest evolved into a sit-in, with participants vowing to continue their agitation until the government withdraws the proposal. Police intervened to prevent any untoward incidents, but no arrests were reported by evening. Union leaders announced plans for a statewide bandh if their demands are not met within 48 hours, potentially paralyzing public transport services across Andhra Pradesh.

This controversy comes at a time when Andhra Pradesh is pushing for economic revival post the bifurcation of the state in 2014 and the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. The capital region of Amaravati, including Vijayawada, has been a focal point for investments, with projects like the Lulu mall in other cities serving as models. Lulu Group, founded by Indian entrepreneur Yusuff Ali M.A., has expanded aggressively in India, with outlets in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and now eyeing Andhra Pradesh. Their proposed project in Vijayawada is estimated to cost over Rs 1,000 crore and create around 2,000 direct jobs, according to company representatives.

Yet, for the APPTD Union, the stakes are personal. Many workers shared stories of how the RTC has been their family's sole source of income for generations. "My father was a driver here, and now I am. If they take this land, where do we go?" asked Ravi Kumar, a young mechanic participating in the protest. Such sentiments underscore the human element behind the land dispute, turning it into a broader debate on public versus private interests.

Experts in urban planning have weighed in, suggesting that while public-private partnerships can drive growth, transparency is key. Dr. S. Rao, a professor of economics at Andhra University, noted in an interview that "land allotments must include clauses protecting existing public utilities. Without that, protests like this will only intensify." He advocated for stakeholder consultations, including unions, before finalizing such deals.

As night fell, the protesters dispersed with promises of renewed action. The government has yet to announce any formal response to the day's events, but insiders hint at a possible meeting between transport officials and union representatives in the coming days. For now, the fate of the RTC depot land hangs in the balance, symbolizing the ongoing tug-of-war between development ambitions and workers' rights in Andhra Pradesh.

This incident is reminiscent of similar labor disputes across India, where public sector land has become a battleground for economic reforms. In states like Maharashtra and Karnataka, RTC unions have successfully stalled privatization attempts through sustained protests. Whether the APPTD Union can achieve a similar outcome remains to be seen, but their stand has certainly amplified the voices of public transport workers in the state.

In conclusion, the protest against the proposed RTC land allotment to Lulu Group encapsulates larger issues of equity, employment security, and sustainable development. As Vijayawada continues to evolve as a commercial hub, balancing corporate investments with public interests will be crucial to avoiding further unrest. The coming weeks could determine not just the future of this particular depot but the overall direction of APSRTC in an era of rapid privatization. (Word count: 1,248)

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