Ponnam Prabhakar outlines RTC growth, ₹4305 crore allocation in Assembly

Hyderabad: Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar outlined the RTC budget allocations and performance in the Assembly during the 2026–27 financial year discussion. The RTC budget allocates ₹4,305.49 crore to TGSRTC.

He thanked the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister for the allocation. Moreover, he highlighted the corporation’s operational scale and recent performance improvements.

TGSRTC operates through 11 regions and 97 depots with a fleet of 10,081 buses. In addition, it runs about 35.19 lakh kilometres daily and serves an average of 62.34 lakh passengers with 98% occupancy.

The minister said the corporation employs 38,292 staff as of February 2026. Meanwhile, he credited employees and officials for improving operational performance.

He said TGSRTC recorded ₹954.86 crore operating profit in 2025–26 up to February. However, he clarified that earlier losses mainly came from ₹3,438.55 crore provisions towards RPS arrears.

He said total losses since 2014 reached ₹12,750.48 crore. Furthermore, liabilities stood at ₹9,722.42 crore, including bank loans and employee dues.

RTC budget highlights performance, expansion and Mahalakshmi impact

The minister said officials reduced PF dues from ₹1,205 crore to ₹680 crore. Similarly, they brought down CCS dues from ₹690 crore to ₹345 crore.

He highlighted the Mahalakshmi scheme launched on December 9, 2023. Consequently, women passengers made 286.60 crore free trips and saved ₹9,871.32 crore in travel costs.

Daily ridership increased from 45.49 lakh to 60.41 lakh after the scheme. In addition, women’s share rose from 40% to 67.72% in eligible services.

The minister said the corporation is expanding its fleet with new buses. Moreover, it will add 503 buses in 2025–26, while officials have prepared proposals for further additions in 2026–27.

He said the government is introducing electric buses to reduce pollution. Currently, 401 electric buses operate in Hyderabad, and authorities will add more.

The government plans to replace diesel buses with electric buses under central schemes. Meanwhile, he clarified that electric buses will not cause job losses.

He said the government approved recruitment for 4,538 posts, including drivers and conductors. In addition, departments are carrying out compassionate appointments and medical support measures.

He said TGSRTC upgraded medical facilities and introduced insurance coverage for employees. Furthermore, he highlighted improved passenger amenities and infrastructure expansion.

He said digital systems such as UPI payments and tracking apps are improving services. Consequently, passengers can now access real-time information and use cashless ticketing.

He criticised the previous government for neglecting RTC. However, he said the current government strengthened the corporation and expanded services.

The minister said RTC remains a lifeline for weaker sections. He added that integration with Metro and MMTS will further improve connectivity in Hyderabad.