VC Sajjanar responds to claims of drastic ticket price hikes by TGSRTC
Hyderabad: On October 14, 2024, VC Sajjanar, Managing Director of the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC), clarified recent claims regarding ticket prices following the Batukamma and Dussehra festivals. He stated that “No truth in the propaganda” suggests an increase in ticket fares, asserting that ticket prices were only revised for special buses during the festival period.
VC Sajjanar explained that during festivals such as Sankranthi, Dussehra, and Rakhi Purnima, many passengers travel from Hyderabad to their native places. TGSRTC runs special services to accommodate this demand, ensuring safe and convenient transportation. While the outbound journeys are often crowded, return buses typically operate with fewer passengers. https://x.com/tgsrtcmdoffice/status/1845760563328270711
According to a government order issued in 2003 (GO No. 16), TGSRTC is permitted to adjust ticket prices based on the minimum diesel cost for special buses, allowing fare increases of up to Rs. 1.50 during festival seasons.
Since implementing the Mahalakshmi scheme, the number of RTC buses has increased by 25%, contributing to more festival bus journeys. Sajjanar noted that while congestion occurs during outbound travel, fare revisions for special services have become necessary to cover operational costs.
TGSRTC currently operates over 9,000 buses, with around 500 special buses running daily during festivals. Only these special buses experienced fare adjustments, while regular service prices remained unchanged.
Sajjanar highlighted that differing ticket prices between regular and special services during festivals are common. For example, passengers using regular buses pay standard fares, while those on special buses may encounter revised charges. Display boards will be placed on special buses to ensure clarity, and RTC staff will inform passengers about the updated fares during ticket sales.
He reiterated, “TGSRTC management clarifies that ticket prices for special services were revised according to the government order only during the festival season. On regular days, ticket prices remain the same.”
Earlier, BRS leader Harish Rao raised the issue of fare increases. On social media, he claimed that RTC ticket prices had been raised significantly during the festivals. He provided examples, stating that a ticket from JBS to Siddipet increased from Rs. 140 to Rs. 200, and a super luxury bus fare from Hanamkonda to Hyderabad rose from Rs. 300 to Rs. 420. https://x.com/BRSHarish/status/1845722944930254856?s=08
Harish Rao criticised the fare hikes, arguing that instead of increasing bus availability, the government's approach detracts from the festive spirit of the people of Telangana.
