Minister Ponnam Prabhakar Directs RTC to Run Extra Buses as Festival Rush Builds

Telangana Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar has directed officials of the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) to operate additional buses according to passenger demand during the Bathukamma and Dasara festivals. He stressed that people travelling to their hometowns should not face inconvenience due to overcrowding or a shortage of buses.

The minister reviewed the corporation’s festival arrangements on Saturday with RTC Managing Director Nagireddy, executive directors, regional managers and other senior officials. He sought details of special bus operations, passenger crowd management and measures being implemented at bus stations across the state.

TGSRTC is operating 7,000 special buses across Telangana to accommodate the festival rush. The services began on October 10. With passenger numbers expected to increase further in the coming days, Ponnam Prabhakar instructed officials to assess demand continuously and deploy additional buses on routes experiencing heavy traffic.

He directed officials to remain present at crowded bus stations and closely monitor bus arrivals, departures and availability. Adequate drinking water, resting facilities, sanitation and security arrangements must be ensured at all stations, he said. Staff should coordinate effectively, identify passenger requirements and respond immediately to complaints or difficulties.

The minister also emphasised the need to prevent commuters from waiting for hours to board buses. He asked officials to review arrangements regularly and take prompt action wherever overcrowding or inadequate services were reported.

Anticipating a significant rush after the Dasara holidays, Ponnam Prabhakar instructed the corporation to prepare for the return journey of passengers. Additional buses should be kept ready on routes likely to witness heavy demand after the celebrations, ensuring that commuters can return home without unnecessary delays.

The minister called on everyone, from senior management to field-level personnel, to remain alert and discharge their duties responsibly throughout the festive period. He said TGSRTC must ensure safe, comfortable and hassle-free journeys for people travelling to celebrate Bathukamma and Dasara with their families.