TGSRTC festival fare hike sparks public outcry

Travelers heading to their hometowns during the Dussehra festival are facing a surprise from the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC). To manage the festival rush, TGSRTC has decided to charge an additional 50% fare on special festival buses, a move that has angered many passengers. With the rising cost of daily essentials, this extra charge is adding further strain on middle-class families.

Festival rush and extra Charges During major festivals like Sankranti, Dussehra, and Diwali, it has become routine for TGSRTC to hike fares on special buses. Many middle-class families hope to celebrate these occasions with relatives, but high ticket prices force them to either postpone travel or bear the extra financial burden. Private bus operators also hike their fares during this period, leaving passengers stuck between government and private transport costs.

Passenger concerns “Every festival, TGSRTC increases fares. They claim it’s due to losses, but millions travel during these times,” said a frustrated passenger. He added that the government’s support of these hikes makes the situation worse, turning the public’s essential need for affordable travel into a source of revenue for the corporation. Citizens are demanding that authorities review this decision to ease the financial strain.

Expected rush during Dussehra Schools in Telangana will begin holidays from the 21st of this month. TGSRTC predicts heavy traffic on the 20th evening and the 21st. Over the festival period, the corporation plans to operate more than 7,000 extra buses, including 1,079 special buses on the peak travel days. Special buses will run from major Hyderabad bus stands such as MGBS, JBS, KPHB Colony, Uppal Cross Road, Dilshukhnagar, LB Nagar, and Aramghar. Some buses will operate directly from these locations to reduce congestion at bus stations.

Regular bus fares remain unchanged TGSRTC officials have clarified that only Dussehra special buses will carry the extra charge, as per government orders, to cover minimum operational costs like diesel on return trips. Regular bus services will continue at standard fares. Officials also promised facilities like seating, drinking water, and safe travel arrangements on the special buses.

TGSRTC defends the decision TGSRTC officials argue that although buses are fully booked during festivals, return trips are often empty, leading to losses due to diesel and maintenance costs. The additional fare is meant to offset these expenses. TGSRTC Managing Director Sajjanar confirmed plans to operate about 7,000 extra buses, emphasizing that zero-ticket facilities won’t be available on these special services.

Political backlash Opposition leaders have strongly criticized the move. Former minister Harish Rao accused the government of exploiting festival travel for extra revenue, calling it shameful.

Private operators also exploit the rush Meanwhile, private bus operators continue to hike fares, sometimes two to three times the usual rates, leaving travelers with no choice but to pay. With 90% of TGSRTC special bus reservations already full, many are forced to rely on private buses, further increasing their financial burden.