ByRishika Kriti, Ludhiana
Feb 07, 2025 05:06 AM IST
The native workshop, which handles upkeep of a 135-bus fleet, has been hit by a steadily declining workshop over the previous two years
The upkeep work at Pepsu Street Transport Company (PRTC) workshop in Ludhiana has been adversely hit by a scarcity workers, officers conscious of the matter stated.
The workshop in Ludhiana maintains a fleet of 135 buses. (HT Picture)
The native workshop, which handles upkeep of a 135-bus fleet, has been hit by a steadily declining workshop over the previous two years.
Jagtar Singh, a member of the Punjab Roadways, Punbus and PRTC Contractual Employees Union claimed the recruitment for these posts has been stagnant for the previous 5 years. “When I joined in 2008, the workshop had 52 staff members. At present, that number has dwindled to 24,” he stated.
PRTC basic supervisor Praveen Kumar acknowledged that the workers crunch, however stated it isn’t distinctive to Ludhiana. He stated the scenario is analogous throughout the state. “We are working tirelessly to keep all the buses operational with our present team,” he stated.
As the upkeep work is usually delayed, buses proceed to play on roads regardless of technical points. This has raised issues among the many workers on the workshop as these 52-seater buses are sometimes operating with 100 passengers on board.
Workshop workers stated the workforce consists of simply 4 mechanics, 5 assistant mechanics, a tyreman and an assistant tyreman, and two cleaners. They stated there are not any welders or work managers on the facility. Based on the workers, the absence of welders has led to delays and inefficiency in essential structural repairs, compromising the protection and reliability of the buses.
Workshop workers raised concern over what they stated had been deteriorating upkeep requirements resulting in heightened threat of accidents on account of an overstretched workforce.
“With an insufficient number of buses in operation, our limited staff is forced to keep every unit on the road, often at the cost of proper maintenance,” a employee stated, requesting to not be named.
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