Ahead of the Sankranti festival rush, the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) has rolled out a massive plan to ensure smooth travel for passengers. The corporation will operate a staggering 6,431 special buses to help people reach their native places safely and conveniently.
Peak Travel Days and Key Departure Points
The highest passenger traffic is anticipated on January 9, 10, 12, and 13 as people leave for the festival. To manage the return journey, special arrangements will also be in place on January 18 and 19. The deployment of buses will be dynamically adjusted based on real-time demand on these peak days.
In Hyderabad, special buses will originate from major hubs to cater to the high demand. Key boarding points include:
- Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS)
- Jubilee Bus Station (JBS)
- Uppal crossroads
- Aramghar
- LB Nagar crossroads
- KPHB
- Bowenpally
- Gachibowli
To enhance passenger comfort at these points, TGSRTC is setting up temporary tents, seating arrangements, public address systems, drinking water facilities, and mobile toilets.
Revised Fares and Operational Flexibility
The corporation has clarified its policy on ticket pricing for the festive season. Citing Government Order (GO) No. 16 issued in 2003, TGSRTC stated it is authorized to revise fares up to 1.5 times the normal rate for special buses during festivals. This is a longstanding practice, followed since the era of the unified corporation, to offset increased diesel and maintenance costs.
Accordingly, for Sankranti, the revised fares (up to 1.5 times) will apply only to special buses—both within Telangana and to other states—and only on the six peak days: January 9, 10, 12, 13, 18, and 19. All regular bus services will continue to charge normal fares.
In a significant relief for women passengers, the state government's Mahalakshmi scheme, which offers free bus travel, will remain fully operational during the festival. This benefit applies to Palle Velugu, Express, City Ordinary, and Metro Express services, including those running as part of the special festival arrangements.
Ensuring Passenger Convenience
TGSRTC has also planned for operational efficiency to prevent traveler inconvenience. Even if some special buses have low occupancy during return trips, they will be swiftly repositioned to routes experiencing higher demand. This dynamic management aims to optimize resources and reduce waiting times.
The corporation is strongly advising passengers to plan their journey in advance. Advance reservations can be made through the official TGSRTC website, ensuring confirmed seats and a hassle-free travel experience during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
