TGSRTC special buses are being deployed in larger numbers to manage Hyderabad’s Dasara travel rush, with the state transport corporation operating 1,417 additional services between October 9 and 11 and scheduling more buses for the expected return movement on October 15, 16 and 17.
The festive period has seen large numbers of families leave Hyderabad for their native places. Bus depots across the city have experienced heavy passenger movement, while railway stations have also reported a surge in people travelling on long-distance trains. Highways are expected to see increased traffic as families use private vehicles to travel to districts across Telangana and neighbouring states.
The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation said it operated 495 more special buses during the first three days of this year’s Dasara rush than during the corresponding period last year. The corporation had operated 922 additional services during the same period last year.
TGSRTC said it carried 1.4 crore passengers during the first three days of the current festive rush. The additional services were introduced to accommodate higher demand and reduce overcrowding at a time when many residents travel simultaneously from the state capital to their hometowns.
The surge illustrates the pressure placed on Hyderabad’s transport network during extended holiday periods. Public buses, railway services and roads are required to absorb a concentrated movement of passengers over a short period, rather than the more evenly distributed demand seen during regular working weeks. TGSRTC’s decision to add services is aimed at providing an alternative for passengers who may otherwise face limited availability or crowded terminals.
Women eligible under the state government’s Mahalakshmi free bus travel scheme saved an average of Rs 13.73 crore per day during the festive period, according to officials. The daily savings were higher than the Rs 13.02 crore recorded during the corresponding period last year.
Free travel for eligible women will continue on Palle Velugu, Express, City Ordinary and Metro Express services. The scheme remains part of the regular transport system being used by passengers during the festive movement, while the corporation’s special services are intended to address the additional demand generated by the holiday rush.
TGSRTC officials said passenger traffic is expected to rise again as people return to their hometowns and subsequently resume their journeys. Additional buses will therefore be operated on October 15, 16 and 17, with the corporation focusing on meeting demand and reducing inconvenience caused by overcrowding.
