Telangana gears up for Sankranti travel rush with 6,431 special buses, enhanced security

Telangana is preparing for the Sankranti travel rush with enhanced security at Secunderabad Railway Station, over 6,400 special buses, fare revisions, and strict RTA checks. Authorities warn against safety violations and overcharging to ensure a smooth festive journey.

Hyderabad: Authorities across Telangana have intensified security and transit operations to handle the massive passenger exodus as the Sankranti festival rush peaks. From enhanced crowd control at Secunderabad Railway Station to the deployment of over 6,000 special RTC buses and rigorous highway safety inspections, the state is bracing for one of the year’s largest annual migrations.

At Secunderabad Railway Station, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has introduced regulated queues for high-occupancy trains to ensure orderly boarding and reduce the risk of stampede-like situations.

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Augmented teams of RPF, GRP staff, and home guards have been strategically deployed at key locations, including entry and exit points, foot-over bridges, platforms, and booking offices. To further manage the influx, special holding areas capable of accommodating nearly 2,000 passengers have been established, and surveillance has been enhanced with additional CCTV cameras monitored continuously.

Furthermore, platform access is being strictly limited to ticket-holders to prevent unnecessary congestion, while dedicated help desks on Platforms 1 and 10 assist travelers with real-time information.

On the roadways, the TGSRTC is operating 6,431 special bus services to manage the seasonal demand. While regular services continue to charge standard fares, the corporation noted that revised fares, up to 1.5 times the normal ticket price as permitted under government regulations, will apply to special buses operating on peak days. These revised rates are applicable on January 9, 10, 12, 13, 18, and 19.

Officials expect passenger demand to peak for departures through January 13, with return travel reaching its height on January 18 and 19. Despite the rush, free travel for women under the State government’s Mahalakshmi Scheme remains in effect on Palle Velugu, Express, City Ordinary, and Metro Express buses throughout the festive period.

Meanwhile, rigorous enforcement by the Road Transport Authority (RTA) is underway to ensure passenger safety and compliance with transport norms. During a recent special inspection near JNTU in Kukatpally, transport officials made a startling discovery when they found a private bus illegally carrying a scooter in its luggage compartment. The vehicle, which was operating from Kakinada to Hyderabad, was immediately seized and a case was registered against the operator for endangering passenger safety. Authorities have warned that strict action will continue against any private operators found flouting safety regulations or overcharging passengers during the holiday season.