Telangana public buses now carry Pochampally and Nirmal GI-tagged handicrafts across state

Hyderabad: In a first-of-its-kind cultural initiative in the country, the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) has launched ‘GI on Wheels,’ transforming public buses into moving showcases of Telangana’s Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged handicrafts.

First state for GI-themed public transport initiative

The initiative was formally flagged off at Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS) by Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma.

With this launch, Telangana becomes the first State in India to roll out a dedicated GI-themed public transport programme, integrating heritage promotion with everyday commuting.

Six express buses, six GI crafts

Under the programme, six specially designed express buses, each themed around a distinct GI-tagged craft, will operate on routes connecting Hyderabad with key cultural centres such as Pochampally, Narayanpet, Hanamkonda (Warangal), Karimnagar and Nirmal.

The buses will prominently feature:

Pochampally Ikat: Known for its intricate tie-and-dye weaving technique and vibrant geometric designs.

Warangal Dhurries: Handwoven cotton carpets crafted using the weft interlocked technique.

Karimnagar Silver Filigree: Delicate lace-like silver jewellery and artefacts with royal patronage roots.

Narayanpet Sarees: Celebrated for their traditional borders and understated elegance.

Cheriyal Scroll Paintings: Narrative folk art depicting mythological and local stories in vivid natural colours.

Nirmal Paintings: Eco-friendly artworks with distinctive golden hues and intricate detailing, with a history spanning over four centuries.

Each bus has been artistically wrapped to reflect the motifs, colours and identity of the respective craft, effectively turning public transport into a travelling exhibition of Telangana’s artistic legacy.

Culture on the move

Addressing the gathering, Governor Jishnu Dev Varma said the initiative aims to spread awareness about GI-tagged art forms while strengthening the State’s cultural identity.

Emphasising that culture is the soul of society, he noted that sustainable development must go hand-in-hand with heritage preservation.

Minister Ponnam Prabhakar described the programme as a visionary step and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding marketing avenues for GI products. He said the initiative would create sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural artisans and assured continued support to scale up the concept across the State.

TGSRTC MD Nagi Reddy stated that the programme aligns with the broader vision of using public spaces as platforms for cultural expression and community engagement.

Students and artisans felicitated

The creative designs displayed on the buses were conceptualised and executed by students of Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University (JNAFAU). The students were honoured with cash prizes and mementoes at the launch event.

Subhajit Saha, who played a significant role in securing GI recognitions for Telangana crafts, was also felicitated. Artisans representing the six featured crafts were recognised for their contribution to preserving traditional art forms.

What is the significance of GI recognition?

A Geographical Indication (GI) is a collective intellectual property right that identifies products as originating from a specific region and possessing unique characteristics linked to that geography. Telangana currently has 18 GI-tagged products.

Officials noted that GI recognition protects traditional crafts from imitation, enhances market credibility, supports tourism, and ensures sustainable incomes for artisan communities.

Heritage beyond museums

By integrating GI art forms into everyday transport, Telangana has set a new benchmark in cultural promotion. The ‘GI on Wheels’ initiative not only brings centuries-old crafts closer to the public but also strengthens rural livelihoods by giving artisans wider visibility.

With these buses now on the roads, Telangana’s heritage will travel across highways and city streets — carrying its stories, skills and traditions directly to the people, one journey at a time.

Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, TGSRTC Vice Chairman and Managing Director Nagi Reddy and Hyderabad District Collector Hari Chandana Dasari were also present at the event.