Former Telangana minister and BRS leader Harish Rao has accused the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) of imposing an additional financial burden on passengers travelling to their hometowns during festivals. He alleged that the corporation is collecting higher fares by operating regular buses as special services.
In a post on social media platform X, Harish Rao questioned the Congress government over the alleged increase in festival bus ticket prices. He claimed that passengers are being charged significantly higher fares during periods of heavy travel demand.
According to Harish Rao, the bus fare from JBS (Jubilee Bus Station) to Karimnagar, which normally costs Rs. 230, has been increased to Rs. 400. Similarly, he alleged that passengers travelling from Mahabubnagar to MGBS (Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station) are being charged more than Rs. 290, compared with the regular fare of Rs. 220.
Harish Rao Questions Higher Festival Bus Fares
Harish Rao questioned the government’s policy of providing free bus travel for women while allegedly charging higher fares to male passengers during festivals. He argued that such fare increases could reduce the overall financial benefit for families travelling together.
He also alleged that the RTC is displaying special-service boards on regular buses and collecting higher ticket prices instead of arranging sufficient additional buses to meet the increased passenger demand.
BRS Leader Criticises Congress Government
The BRS leader criticised the Congress government, claiming that RTC fares have been increased multiple times since it came to power. He said the alleged fare hikes are placing an additional burden on poor and middle-class families, particularly during festivals when many people travel to their native places.
Harish Rao demanded that the government immediately reduce the additional festival bus fares. He also urged the RTC to continue regular bus services without unnecessary fare increases and operate additional buses according to passenger demand.
However, the fare-related allegations could not be independently verified in this report. An official response from the Telangana government or TGSRTC regarding the claims was not available.
