TGSRTC to Operate Over 6,400 Special Buses for Sankranthi Rush
Special services to run on select dates from major bus stations across Hyderabad; 50% fare hike applicable.
Hyderabad: With a large number of people expected to travel to their native places during the Sankranti festival, the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) has decided to operate 6,431 special buses to cater to the festive rush.
RTC officials said passenger demand is expected to peak on January 9, 10, 12 and 13, and special buses will be deployed based on demand on these days. Adequate arrangements have also been made to handle the return journey rush on January 18 and 19.
Special buses will be operated from major traffic hubs in Hyderabad, including MGBS, JBS, Uppal Cross Roads, Aramghar, LB Nagar Cross Roads, KPHB, Bowenpally and Gachibowli, among others.
The RTC officials said tents, chairs, public address systems, drinking water facilities and mobile toilets will be set up at boarding points for the convenience of passengers.
The revised fares will be applicable only on January 9, 10, 12 and 13, and on January 18 and 19, when heavy passenger traffic is expected. Regular bus services will continue to operate with normal fares.
The corporation clarified that the revision of ticket fares for special buses is in accordance with GO No. 16 issued by the state government in 2003, which permits the RTC to revise fares to cover minimum diesel and maintenance costs. Under this provision, fares can be increased by up to 1.5 times, but only for special buses operated during festivals and special occasions.
Officials said this practice has been followed for every major festival since the days of the undivided corporation and has continued after the formation of TGSRTC.
Under the state government’s Mahalaxmi scheme, the free bus travel facility for women will continue on Palle Velugu, Express, City Ordinary and Metro Express services operating during Sankranti.
