Festive rush chokes bus, railway stations in Hyderabad

A massive movement of people is underway from Hyderabad to districts of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and even parts of Karnataka, with everyone eager to reunite with their families in their hometowns before Saturday.

Hyderabad: The festive season of Dasara has ignited a frenzy of travel, with bus and railway stations in Hyderabad teeming with families desperate to reach their native towns. With just a few days remaining for the Vijayadashami, which falls on Saturday, there is a mad rush of passengers at bus and railway stations in Hyderabad.

A massive movement of people is underway from Hyderabad to districts of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and even parts of Karnataka, with everyone eager to reunite with their families in their hometowns before Saturday.

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Major bus stations like Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS), Jubilee Bus Station (JBS) in Secunderabad are packed by the sheer number of people seeking reserved tickets. The railway stations at Secunderabad, Nampally, Kacheguda, and Lingampalli, are no less chaotic. It has become a common sight to spot families, with their heavy luggage filled with clothes and gifts for Dasara festival, occupying every inch of the platform.

Rajesh, a software professional travelling to his native Karimnagar says, “I am excited to finally visit home after a long break. Dasara is always a special time for family gatherings, and I didn’t want to miss it this year, no matter how crowded the trains get.”

Despite the inconvenience of crowded stations, the atmosphere at railway and bus stations is lively, with a sense of anticipation and excitement among travellers. Travelling during festival season is chaotic, but it’s part of the experience. The whole family is eagerly waiting, and I can’t wait to participate in the celebrations,” says Meena, a school teacher.

To meet the heavy demand, the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) is operating special buses for the entire festival season. The State transporter has set up several pick-up points in Hyderabad. The outbound passengers can board these special buses from MGBS, JBS, LB Nagar, Uppal, Aramghar, Santosh Nagar and KPHB from October 1 to 15. These special buses will facilitate journeys from Hyderabad and Secunderabad to various locations within the state and other states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.

Meanwhile, the South Central Railway (SCR) is also operating special trains to clear the rush during Bathukamma and Dasara festivities. Given the high volume of travellers, there is an increase in security checks and station authorities ensuring safety by managing the crowds efficiently. There is also a visible presence of police and railway personnel to handle the surge and guide passengers