TGSRTC to run 1,200 special buses from Hyderabad for Sankranti

The TGSRTC plans to operate nearly 1,200 special buses from Hyderabad for Sankranti to meet festive travel demand. City police issued a safety advisory to prevent thefts, while SCR warned against kite flying near railway overhead electric lines.

Hyderabad: The Greater TGSRTC is drawing up plans to operate nearly 1,200 special buses from the city to various places for the forthcoming Sankranti festival.

The RTC officials aim to cater to the surge in passenger movement as people travel to their native places for the festive holidays. According to officials, the special services will be operated from January 9 to January 15, with buses being deployed from depots located in all directions of the city to ensure wider connectivity.

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Authorities said preparations were under way to introduce additional services if passenger demand increases during peak travel days.

The special buses will connect Hyderabad with several districts in Telangana, including Nalgonda, Nizamabad, Karimnagar and Warangal. In addition, a large number of services are being planned to major towns and cities in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh such as Kakinada, Kandukur, Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Udayagiri, Visakhapatnam, Nellore, Ongole and Tirupati.

RTC officials said special emphasis is being placed on operating electric buses wherever feasible, both to improve passenger comfort and to promote environmentally friendly transport.

The BHEL depot at RC Puram will operate multiple services through Miyapur, Kukatpally Housing Board and the Outer Ring Road, linking the city to destinations including Amalapuram, Narsapuram, Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry, Polavaram, Guntur and Vijayawada.

Police advisory

Ahead of the Sankranti festival, the city police have issued a public advisory urging residents travelling to their native places to remain alert and take precautionary measures to prevent burglaries and property crimes.

The police have intensified night patrolling and surveillance to control thefts. Citizens were advised to cooperate with the police and adopt basic safety measures before leaving their homes. It was recommended to install CCTV cameras in residential colonies and homes, inform trusted neighbours or the local police station while travelling, and avoid leaving valuables in vehicles.

Residents were also advised to ensure strong locking systems, keep houses appearing occupied, and refrain from sharing travel details on social media.

SCR warns against flying kites near wires

The SCR has issued a public warning following a series of electrocution incidents linked to kite flying near railway premises.

Officials said that during the previous Sankranti season, cases were reported across different railway zones where people suffered severe electric shocks and, in some instances, lost their lives after kite strings came into contact with high-voltage overhead lines.

Railway officials highlighted that the use of Chinese-imported kite threads, often metallic or chemically treated, significantly increases the danger, as these threads conduct electricity. When entangled with 25 kV overhead electric traction lines, they not only threaten human life but can also damage critical railway electrical infrastructure, leading to train disruptions and safety risks for passengers and staff.