TGSRTC denies fare hike, clarifies revision applies only to festival special buses

Hyderabad: The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) on Friday dismissed reports of a general bus fare hike ahead of the Dussehra festival. Officials clarified that only special festival buses will see fare revisions. Regular services will continue with existing rates.

The corporation explained that Government Order 16, issued in 2003, allows fare increases of up to 50% on special services. These hikes help cover fuel costs for return trips, which often run without passengers. TGSRTC has followed this practice during peak travel periods like Sankranti, Dussehra, Ugadi, and Rakhi Pournami.

Fare changes limited to select days

The fare revision will apply only on select dates: September 20; September 27 to 30; and October 1, 5, and 6. These special buses will run to handle festival traffic for Bathukamma and Dussehra. TGSRTC plans to operate 500 to 1,000 additional buses daily on these days, alongside its regular fleet of 10,000.

Officials urged the public not to spread or believe rumours of a statewide fare hike. Regular bus fares remain unchanged across all routes and services.