With Sankranti approaching, there is a big rush at bus stations and railway stations in Hyderabad. This is causing problems for passengers trying to book tickets from Secunderabad to different parts of Andhra Pradesh. Private bus operators are taking advantage of the situation and charging double the usual price. Ticket fares have skyrocketed, with prices ranging from Rs 2000 to Rs 3000, compared to the usual Rs 600-Rs 800. Online booking platforms also have varying charges, with some travel agencies charging double for a particular destination like Hyderabad to Visakhapatnam.
Some passengers have had to book tickets from private bus agencies at double the fare because there were no tickets available on TSRTC buses. Even though special trains are running, all seats on the 10 trains operating via Vijayawada are booked on January 11 and 12. People are now left with no option but to try and book Tatkal tickets. The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) is running special buses to Andhra Pradesh without any charges. These buses are in high demand in areas like MGBS, JBS, Uppal Cross Roads, Aranmghar, LB Nagar Cross Roads, KPHB, Bowenpally, and Gachibowli.
There has been a significant rush for the past week, and the South Central Railway (SCR) zone has increased the number of train services. From January 1, SCR has been operating 121 trips of special train services not only between the two Telugu states but also to other popular destinations. These train services have different types of coaches to cater to all passengers. More special trains will be added as the demand increases on January 12, 13, and 14.