Private bus fares surge ahead of Sankranti in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh

Ahead of Sankranti, private bus fares from Hyderabad to major cities in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have soared, while RTCs deploy 6,000 special buses. RTA inspections and Transport Department warnings aim to curb overcharging during the festival rush.

Hyderabad: As travel demand increases ahead of the Sankranti festival, passengers heading to their hometowns in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are facing steep increases in private bus fares on major interstate routes.

Despite regulations requiring fares to be same as TGSRTC bus services, several private operators are reportedly charging multiple times the normal rates.

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It is learnt that routes connecting Hyderabad with cities such as Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Kurnool and Rajahmundry have seen the sharpest hikes. Tickets that usually cost between Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,000 on AC services have climbed between Rs 4,000 and Rs 5,000 and even more, during the peak travel window, which typically falls between January 10 and 15.

It is said that the steep increase in air fare and non-availability or long waiting list for seats in trains too is forcing travellers to choose private operators to reach their native places during the festival time.

In response, the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) authorities have launched special inspection drives across the city and other parts of the State, booking cases against buses found overcharging passengers during the festive season.

The Transport Department has also warned that vehicles violating fare norms, permit conditions or transport rules could be seized during checks.

Meanwhile, TGSRTC and APSRTC authorities have deployed more than 6,000 special buses from each Telugu State to accommodate festival travellers. RTC officials requested passengers to opt for RTC services, assuring normal fares and smoother travel during the festive rush.