TGSRTC deploys 3,000 special buses for Maha Shivaratri pilgrims

In anticipation of the Maha Shivaratri festival, TGSRTC has made extensive arrangements to ensure a smooth travel experience for devotees. The corporation has announced the operation of 3,000 special buses from various locations in the state to 43 major Shaiva pilgrimage sites. These services will be available from February 24 to 28, with Maha Shivaratri falling on February 26.
As part of the initiative, 800 buses will be deployed to Srisailam, 714 to Vemulawada, 444 to Yadagirigutta, 270 to Keesaragutta, 171 to Velala, 80 to Kaleshwaram, and 51 to Komuravelli. Additional buses will also be provided to Alampur, Umamaheshwaram, Palakurthi, Ramappa, and other significant temples. In Hyderabad, special buses to Srisailam will operate from MGBS, JBS, CBS, IS Sadan, KPHB, and BHEL. To enhance convenience, TSRTC will set up shamianas, seating arrangements, drinking water facilities, and public address systems at major boarding points.
As per government orders, ticket fares for these special services will be revised by up to 50 per cent compared to regular fares. However, no changes will be made to fares for regular services. The revised fares will be applicable only from February 24 to 27, while for Yadagirigutta-bound services, they will be in effect from February 26 to 28. Special service buses will display route information prominently to guide passengers.
Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar has already conducted a review meeting with TGSRTC officials regarding the Maha Shivaratri operations. In line with his directives, TGSRTC has taken measures to prevent any inconvenience to devotees. Managing Director VC Sajjanar, IPS, stated that compared to the previous year, 809 additional buses have been arranged. He also directed officials to increase the number of buses based on demand to ensure smooth travel for all devotees.
Under the state government’s Mahalakshmi scheme, free bus travel for women will be applicable on special services operating as Palle Velugu, Express, City Ordinary, and Metro Express buses. Women passengers must collect zero-fare tickets during their journey.
For the convenience of devotees traveling to Srisailam and Vemulawada, TSRTC has enabled advance reservations, and tickets can be booked through the official website www.tgsrtcbus.in. For further information, passengers can contact the TSRTC call center at 040-69440000 or 040-23450033.