Generation and supply of electricity was severely affected in several parts of Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions today due to ongoing strike by employees of power utilities against the division of Andhra Pradesh.
In the wake of the stir, Railways cancelled several passenger services and the pilgrim town of Tirumala-Tirupati, where the annual 'Brahmotsavams' were going on, was also affected, official sources said.
Power generation was severely affected at units in Vijayawada, Srisailam areas among others.
Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy has appealed to the striking employees of TRANSCO, GENCO and DISCOMs to resume duties immediately, an official release said.
The strike has hit important services like hospitals, drinking water, railways among others.
Since general public are suffering for no fault of theirs, the employees should rethink about their strike on humanitarian grounds and avoid inconvenience, the Chief Minister said.
Kiran held a high-level review meeting with senior officials of energy department and power utilities.
On occasion of 'Brahmotsavams', thousands of pilgrims from all over the world visiting Tirumala for 'darshan' of Lord Venkateswara are facing inconvenience, he said.
Kiran asked employees of Andhra Pradesh Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (APSPDCL) from Krishna, Guntur, Ongole, Nellore, Kurnool, Kadapa, Anantapur and Chittoor districts to call off the strike and resume duty considering the ongoing Brahmotsavams at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam.
On directions of the Chief Minister, the Joint Executive Officer (JEO) of TTD held discussions with electricity employees leaders and as a result, power supply to Tirumala has been restored, according to sources.
Meanwhile, the South Central Railway said several trains have been fully cancelled or regulated in view of the strike by the employees of Andhra Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation (APTRANSCO).
