4 days ago
TGSRTC Special Buses Draw Criticism Over Rakhi Fare Hikes
Many people travelled by bus to visit family during Rakhi.
TGSRTC added special buses to handle the large crowds.
It operated 5,000 special buses this year, compared with 4,760 last year.
Passengers said some special-bus tickets cost much more than normal tickets.
For example, one fare rose from ₹460 to ₹630.
Women can travel free on ordinary and express buses under the Mahalakshmi scheme, but that benefit does not apply to special buses.
TGSRTC said the higher prices are allowed during festivals and help pay for expenses and tolls.
Some passengers said they were not told about the higher fares before boarding.
TGSRTC operated 5,000 special buses from August 27 to 31 for the Raksha Bandhan rush, up from 4,760 last year.
Passengers alleged that special-bus fares rose by ₹50 to ₹200, with some routes charging nearly 50% more than usual.
Reported examples included Hyderabad–Karimnagar fares rising to ₹400 and Nizamabad–Jubilee Bus Station fares rising to ₹630.
TGSRTC said festival fares can be increased up to 1.5 times, but only on special buses; regular-service fares remain unchanged.
Passengers and BRS leader Jeevan Reddy criticised the increases, while officials said special fares help cover operating and toll costs.
- Who
- Passengers travelling for Raksha Bandhan, TGSRTC, Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar and BRS State secretary Jeevan Reddy.
- What
- TGSRTC operated festival special buses while charging higher fares on those services, prompting passenger and political criticism.
- Where
- Across Telangana, including routes involving Hyderabad, Jagtial, Nizamabad, Karimnagar, Jadcherla, Suryapet, Hanumakonda, Medak and Narsapur.
- When
- The special buses operated from August 27 through August 31 during the Raksha Bandhan and Rakhi Pournami period.
- Why
- TGSRTC said the higher special fares were permitted during festivals and helped cover operating expenses and toll-plaza charges.
Passenger and political criticism
TGSRTC’s justification
Higher festival fares
Passenger and political criticism
Passengers said fare increases of ₹50 to ₹200, and in some cases nearly 50%, imposed an unfair burden when people had limited travel choices. Jeevan Reddy called for the additional charges to be withdrawn and special buses to use regular fares.
TGSRTC’s justification
TGSRTC said rules permit fares to rise by up to 1.5 times during festival periods and clarified that the higher fares apply only to special buses, not regular services.
Free travel for women
Passenger and political criticism
Women passengers argued that normal fares should apply to special buses as well, saying the higher charges reduced the benefit of the Mahalakshmi scheme and increased their festival expenses.
TGSRTC’s justification
The scheme continues to provide free travel on ordinary and express buses, while passengers—including women—who use special buses must pay the applicable special-service fare.
Fare disclosure and purpose
Passenger and political criticism
Some passengers said they learned about the increased fare only after boarding and questioned whether services advertised for convenience should carry higher charges. Passengers also sought a clear fare structure and protection from excessive charges.
TGSRTC’s justification
TGSRTC officials said special fares were set in view of operating expenses and toll-plaza charges. The reports do not provide a separate official response to complaints about advance disclosure.
Key facts
- Special-service period
- August 27 to August 31
- Special buses this year
- 5,000
- Special buses last year
- 4,760
- Permitted fare increase
- A TGSRTC official said festival fares may be increased by up to 1.5 times the regular fare.
- Reported fare examples
- Hyderabad–Karimnagar rose to ₹400 from about ₹290–₹300; Nizamabad–Jubilee Bus Station rose to ₹630 from ₹460.
- Women’s free-travel eligibility
- The Mahalakshmi scheme applies to ordinary and express buses, but not to special buses.
- Nizamabad regional deployment
- TGSRTC planned 480 special buses on Hyderabad and Karimnagar routes.
- Reported passenger total
- The Nizamabad report said 3.68 crore passengers, including 2.51 crore women, travelled on TGSRTC buses.
Quotes
S.V.G. Krishna Murthy
TGSRTC Nizamabad regional manager.
“The regular fare for the Super Luxury bus is around Rs 300, but today I paid Rs 400. Passengers should be informed about the fare hike beforehand. I came to know of the increase only after boarding the bus.”
thehansindia.com
“Passengers should not be made to bear an additional financial burden during a festival meant for families to come together”
thehansindia.com
Restive passengers
Passengers objecting to increased festival fares
“Women are allowed to travel free under the Mahalakshmi scheme, but what relief is being given to male passengers and other paying commuters? If fares are increased like private buses during every festival, how will common people afford to travel?”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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