TGSRTC to Operate 3,000 Special Buses for Maha Shivaratri Devotees
Hyderabad: The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) will run over 3,000 special buses for devotees traveling to major Shiva temples during the Maha Shivaratri festival. These buses will operate from February 24 to February 28, with the festival falling on February 26.
The special services have been arranged to ensure smooth and hassle-free transportation for devotees during the festival period. TGSRTC Managing Director VC Sajjanar stated that a review meeting was conducted with senior RTC officials and Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar to oversee the smooth operation of these buses.
This year, 809 additional buses will be available compared to the previous year, and more buses will be added based on demand. Sajjanar emphasized that these special services aim to provide a safe and comfortable travel experience while ensuring devotees reach their destinations on time.
A total of 800 buses will be deployed to Srisailam, a popular pilgrimage site. Additionally, 714 buses will operate to Vemulawada, 444 to Edupayala, 270 to Keesaragutta, 171 to Velala, 80 to Kaleshwaram, and 51 to Komuravelli.
Other key temple destinations, including Alampur, Umamaheshwaram, Palakurthi, and Ramappa, will also have special bus services. Buses will run from major locations such as MGBS, JBS, CBS, IS Sadan, KPHB, and BHEL to Srisailam for the convenience of devotees.
To enhance passenger comfort, TGSRTC will provide shelters, chairs, drinking water, and public address systems at important bus stations and travel points.
Following government orders, TGSRTC has revised its fare structure for these special buses. Ticket prices will be reduced by up to 50% from February 24 to February 27. For buses traveling to Edupayala, discounted fares will be available from February 26 to February 28. Regular bus services will continue with standard fares.
Women traveling on Pallavelugu, Express, City Ordinary, and Metro Express buses will benefit from free travel under the Mahalakshmi scheme, with zero-tickets issued for their journeys. Special buses from Hyderabad to Srisailam and Vemulawada will also offer advance booking options through the official TGSRTC website at www.tgsrtcbus.in.
For further details, TGSRTC has set up helpline numbers: 040-69440000 and 040-23450033.
