The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGRTC) has announced special bus services for devotees travelling to the Medaram Sammakka Saralamma Maha Jathara. These services will operate from multiple parts of Telangana, including Hyderabad, Warangal, Bhupalpally, Khammam, Godavarikhani, and Kothagudem. Along with the services, TSRTC has also finalised ticket fares to ensure smooth and organised travel for lakhs of devotees.
The Sammakka–Saralamma Jathara, held once every two years, is one of the largest tribal religious gatherings in the country. Devotees from across Telangana and neighbouring states travel to Medaram to take part in the historic event. Anticipating heavy rush during the jathara days, TSRTC has planned thousands of special buses to reduce crowding and provide safe and comfortable transportation. Several buses have already been diverted from different depots towards Medaram, and official orders regarding fares have now been issued.
According to TSRTC officials, bus fares from Hyderabad to Medaram have been fixed between ₹600 and ₹1,110, depending on the type of service and distance. For devotees travelling from Warangal, ticket prices will range from ₹250 to ₹500. Special buses will also operate from Bhupalpally, Khammam, Godavarikhani, Kothagudem, and nearby regions, with slight variations in fares based on route length and bus category. Officials stated that these charges are aimed at keeping travel affordable while managing operational costs during the peak rush.
In a major relief for women devotees, TSRTC confirmed that free travel under the ‘Mahalakshmi’ scheme will continue during the jathara. Women, girls, and transgender persons can travel free of cost not only in ordinary services but also in express buses. This decision is expected to benefit a large number of female devotees visiting Medaram.
Meanwhile, officials have also issued advisories in view of the El Niño weather effect this year. Meteorological experts warn that temperatures may remain higher than usual during the jathara period. Due to possible heat conditions, devotees are advised to carry sufficient drinking water, avoid long exposure to the sun, and take special care of elderly people and children. TSRTC is making arrangements to provide drinking water facilities in buses and at major boarding points.
With heavy crowds expected, TSRTC has urged devotees to plan their journeys in advance and use only official TSRTC services for a safe and reliable travel experience.
