Sankranti rush: TGSRTC to ply 6,431 special buses

Hyderabad: The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) has made extensive arrangements, including the operation of as many as 6,431 special buses across the State and to neighbouring States.

The move was aimed at ensuring safe and hassle-free travel for passengers heading to their native places during the Sankranti festival.

Anticipating heavy passenger rush on January 9, 10, 12 and 13, the transport corporation has planned to deploy additional services based on demand. Similar arrangements have also been put in place for the return journey rush on January 18 and 19, officials said.

Special services from key city hubs

In Hyderabad, special buses will be operated from major congestion-prone locations such as MGBS, JBS, Uppal Cross Roads, Aramghar, LB Nagar Cross Roads, KPHB, Bowenpally and Gachibowli, among others.

To facilitate passengers, TGSRTC will set up temporary shelters, shamianas, seating arrangements, public address systems, drinking water facilities and mobile toilets at these boarding points.

Dynamic deployment to manage crowd

The RTC management stated that special services are routinely operated during major festivals to prevent inconvenience to the public.

During the return phase, even if some special buses run with low occupancy, empty buses will be quickly repositioned to high-demand routes to ensure smooth passenger movement.

Revised fares for festival special buses

As per Government Order No. 16 issued in 2003, the corporation is permitted to revise ticket fares up to 1.5 times for special buses operated during festivals and special occasions to meet additional fuel and operational costs.

Accordingly, revised fares (up to 1.5x) have been implemented only for Sankranti special buses, including those operating to other States.

The revised charges will be applicable only on January 9, 10, 12, 13 and on January 18 and 19. Regular buses will continue to operate with normal fares, the corporation clarified.

Free travel for women continues

Under the Mahalakshmi scheme of the State government, free bus travel for women will continue as usual in Palle Velugu, Express, City Ordinary and Metro Express services, even during the Sankranti festival period.

What is the helpline to do advance booking?

Passengers are advised to book tickets in advance through the official website www.tgsrtcbus.in.

For complete information on Sankranti special services, commuters can contact the RTC call centres at 040-69440000 or 040-23450033, officials said.