Telangana extends bus pass validity for journalists awaiting accreditation cards

Hyderabad: Journalist bus passes in Telangana will remain valid during the ongoing accreditation renewal process after the Information and Public Relations Department took steps to ensure uninterrupted transport facilities for working journalists across the state.

The department informed TGSRTC that it has already issued 2026-2028 accreditation cards to several state and district-level journalists. Meanwhile, officials are continuing the process of issuing the remaining cards. Special Commissioner G. Mukunda Reddy communicated the decision to the Managing Director of TGSRTC.

Journalist bus passes get temporary validity extension

The department asked TGSRTC to allow newly accredited journalists to apply online through its portal and obtain concessional bus passes. Subsequently, TGSRTC will issue the passes for the 2026-2028 period. The concessional passes will remain valid from June 17, 2026, to April 30, 2028.

Meanwhile, the department also addressed the concerns of journalists who are still waiting for new accreditation cards. Therefore, it requested TGSRTC to extend the validity of existing state and district-level journalist bus passes by 14 days.

Accordingly, the extension will remain in force from June 17 to June 30, 2026. Furthermore, officials clarified that working journalists can continue using transport facilities while authorities complete the accreditation process. Additionally, the department said the decision will help journalists access transport services without disruption across Telangana.