Hyderabad: The enhanced fares charged by RTC for Pushkaram services has upset devotees.
The RTC is charging 1.5 times the fares for services being run for the Godavari Pushkaralu and upset devotees who even organised dharnas against the hike.
A group of commuters, along with ex corporator Devara Karunakar staged a dharna in front of the Bus Bhavan on Sunday morning, protesting against the extra charges.
An express bus ticket to Bhadrachalam from Hyderabad which normally costs Rs 250 will now cost around Rs 375, while tickets for high-end buses will touch Rs 550 to Rs 650.
“Since the Pushkaram has a lot of religious significance, people want to take a holy dip and many travel long distances with their family. Hiking fares at such times will rob many of the chance to visit Pushkaram. As reservations are unavailable during the festival dates, people will have to pay more to travel. For a family of four, it will mean Rs 1,000 extra for a one-way fare. Low income groups can’t travel,” said a protestor, Mr P. Ramulu.
