Telangana RTC Hikes Fares for Sankranti, Adds Special Buses
Ahead of the Sankranti festival, the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) has introduced a 1.5% hike in bus ticket prices. This increase will apply on January 10, 11, 12, 19, and 20. To accommodate the festive rush, the Corporation is deploying over 6,000 special buses across the State.
TGSRTC has announced that it is fully prepared to ensure the safe and smooth transportation of passengers traveling to their hometowns for Sankranti. A total of 6,432 special buses will operate during the festival period. On peak travel days, additional buses will be deployed to ease congestion. Special arrangements have also been made to manage the heavy return traffic expected on January 19 and 20.
Special Facilities for Travelers
In Hyderabad, special buses will operate from key hubs such as the Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS), Jubilee Bus Station (JBS), Uppal Cross Roads, LB Nagar Cross Roads, Aramgarh, KPHB, Bowenpally, and Gachibowli. Tents with seating, public address systems, drinking water stations, and mobile toilets have been set up in these locations to enhance passenger comfort.
As part of the State government’s Mahalaxmi scheme, women can avail free services on Palle Velugu, Express, City Ordinary, and Metro Express buses during Sankranti.
Ticket Hike in Line with Guidelines
The fare hike adheres to a government order from 2003 (GO 16) that allows ticket prices to be raised during festivals and special events for diesel cost adjustments and special bus upkeep. The 1.5% increase will apply only for five days during the festival season, following state government guidelines.
Passengers are encouraged to book tickets in advance through the official TGSRTC website, www.tgsrtcbus.in. For further details about the special buses, passengers can contact the call centers at 040-69440000 or 040-23450033.
Crowds Swell at Bus and Railway Stations
With Sankranti vacations starting on Saturday, Hyderabad’s bus depots and railway stations have witnessed a significant rise in passenger traffic since Thursday. Key locations like MGBS, JBS, and railway stations in Secunderabad, Nampally, and Kacheguda are bustling with travelers heading to their hometowns in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
At Secunderabad railway station, the largest in the twin cities, the rush is at its peak. To manage the demand, South Central Railway has introduced 170 special trains. Students, working professionals, and families are seen crowding the platforms as they wait for their trains.
Support from APSRTC
The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) is also operating special bus services to accommodate the surge in travelers. Authorities at both bus and railway stations are taking steps to manage the festive rush smoothly.
