TGSRTC: In view of the heavy rush of devotees during Maha Shivaratri on February 15, TGSRTC has made extensive transport arrangements across the state. The corporation has decided to run a total of 2,243 special buses to 43 major Shiva temples to ensure smooth travel for pilgrims. These services will operate for three days, from February 14 to 16.
A large number of buses have been allocated to prominent pilgrimage centers such as Srisailam, Vemulawada, Edupayala, Keesaragutta, Veleru, and Kaleshwaram. Among them, 781 buses have been assigned to Srisailam alone. Additionally, 416 buses will run to Vemulawada, 249 to Edupayala, 326 to Keesaragutta, 127 to Veleru, and 71 to Kaleshwaram. Another 273 special services will operate to temples including Komuravelli, Alampur, Umamaheswaram, Palakurthi, and Ramappa.
From Hyderabad, special buses to Srisailam will be available from major boarding points such as MGBS, JBS, IS Sadan, KPHB, and BHEL. Authorities stated that arrangements like tents, seating facilities, and drinking water will be provided at key departure points to avoid inconvenience to devotees.
As per the government order, ticket fares for these special buses have been increased by up to 50 percent. However, the revised fares will apply only to the special services running between February 14 and 16. There will be no change in ticket prices for regular bus services.
TGSRTC Managing Director Y. Nagi Reddy, IPS, reviewed the arrangements with senior officials and directed them to ensure hassle-free travel for devotees. Compared to last year, 208 additional buses have been deployed this time. The corporation also clarified that the free travel facility for women will continue even on these special services. Advance booking has been enabled for special buses operating from Hyderabad to Srisailam.
