Hyderabad: Telangana RTC remains a key lifeline for people across the state, Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar said in the Assembly.
He said the corporation covered about 30 lakh kilometres every day. It safely carried nearly 65 lakh passengers to their destinations.
Ponnam Prabhakar gave a detailed response to questions raised by several MLAs about RTC services. He also criticised the previous government over the corporation’s performance.
According to the minister, the previous government did not purchase new buses for 10 years. He alleged that it appointed a retired Executive Director as Managing Director and weakened the organisation.
The minister also accused the previous government of neglecting workers’ problems. He said those decisions pushed the corporation towards financial losses.
Telangana RTC gains momentum after Mahalakshmi scheme
The Congress government launched the Mahalakshmi scheme on December 9, 2023, two days after taking office. The scheme provided women with free bus travel.
Ponnam said the initiative reduced the financial burden on women. At the same time, it gave fresh momentum to the RTC.
Bus occupancy increased significantly after the scheme began. As a result, bus stations also witnessed higher passenger crowds.
Women across Telangana have made 347.47 crore free journeys so far, the minister said. He added that the scheme helped them save ₹12,171 crore.
Women used the service to visit hospitals, temples and relatives. They also used it for their children’s education, he said.
Following requests raised during special meetings with MLAs and MLCs, the corporation introduced new services and additional trips. Meanwhile, officials have also started restoring services that stopped during the Covid-19 period.
Ponnam urged the Assembly to appreciate the work of RTC drivers and conductors. He said their daily efforts helped transport lakhs of passengers safely.