Hyderabad: Telangana State Road Transport Corporation announced festival special buses ahead of Ugadi and Ramadan to manage the expected surge in passenger travel.
The corporation said heavy passenger movement is likely on March 17 and March 18 as people travel to their native places for celebrations. In addition, return travel demand is expected to peak on March 23 after the festivals.
Therefore, TGSRTC decided to operate festival special buses during these peak days. Officials said the additional services aim to ensure smoother transportation for passengers across the state.
According to the corporation, the decision follows provisions under GO 16 issued in 2003. The order allows RTC authorities to revise fares for special festival services to cover diesel and maintenance costs.
Accordingly, the corporation will charge up to 1.5 times the regular fare for these festival special buses. However, the revised fare will apply only to the special buses operated during the festival period.
Officials clarified that regular bus services will continue with normal fares. The revised fare structure will apply to festival special buses operating within Telangana and to neighbouring states during the specified dates.
Festival special buses to handle Ugadi and Ramadan travel rush
TGSRTC also confirmed that the free travel facility for women will continue during the festival period. The benefit is available under the State Government’s Mahalakshmi scheme.
Women passengers can travel free in ‘Palle Velugu’, ‘Express’, ‘City Ordinary’ and ‘Metro Express’ buses. However, this facility applies only to the eligible bus categories.
Meanwhile, the RTC management opened advance reservations for the festival special buses. Passengers can book tickets through the official TGSRTC website.
In addition, RTC advised passengers to seek information through its call centre services. For details about the festival special buses, passengers can contact the RTC call centre numbers 040-69440000 and 040-23450033.
The corporation said the special services were planned to reduce travel congestion during the festival period. Officials expect the festival special buses to help manage the heavy passenger demand during Ugadi and Ramadan travel days.