7,754 special buses for Bathukamma, Dasara

With the festive season approaching, the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) has announced extensive arrangements to ensure hassle-free travel for passengers. A total of 7,754 special buses will be operated across the state for Bathukamma and Dasara, starting from September 20 to October 2.

TGSRTC Managing Director V. C. Sajjanar said the corporation has drawn up special plans to handle the expected festive rush and to ensure that passengers reach their hometowns safely. Of these services, 377 buses will have advance reservation facilities.

Key travel days:

The highest demand is expected from September 27 onwards, as Saddula Bathukamma falls on September 30 and Dasara on October 2. Accordingly, additional buses will be deployed during this period. For the return journey, TGSRTC will also run extra services on October 5 and 6 to accommodate passengers traveling back to Hyderabad.

From major bus stations:

Special buses will be operated from major Hyderabad terminals - MGBS, JBS, and CBS - as well as busy suburban hubs including KPHB Colony, Uppal Crossroads, Uppal Bus Stand, Dilsukhnagar, LB Nagar, and Aramghar. Services will connect not only districts across Telangana but also neighboring states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.

Fare revisions on select days:

TGSRTC clarified that fares will remain unchanged for regular services. However, for special buses running between September 20, 27-30, October 1, 5, and 6, ticket prices will be revised in line with Government Order No. 16, which allows adjustments to cover the cost of buses returning empty.

More buses than last year

Compared to last year, an additional 617 buses will be in service this festive season. To manage crowds, TGSRTC will set up temporary camps at high-traffic points like LB Nagar, Uppal, Aramghar, KPHB, and Santosh Nagar. These will be equipped with canopies, seating arrangements, drinking water, and public address systems for passenger convenience. Supervisory officers will also be deployed to monitor rush and allocate buses as required.

TGSRTC is working in coordination with the police, transport, and municipal departments to ensure smooth operations. Passengers were also urged to avoid traveling in unauthorized private vehicles with white number plates, which may cause inconvenience and safety risks.

“TGSRTC has experienced drivers and is fully prepared to provide passengers a safe and comfortable journey during the festive season,” Sajjanar assured.