In a strategic move, APSRTC aims to capitalise on the upcoming Sankranti festival, anticipating a substantial increase in revenue through the operation of additional special services during the 2024 season. This festive period presents a golden opportunity for APSRTC to cater to the surge in demand as people travel to various destinations to celebrate the first festival of the New Year with their loved ones.
Traditionally, APSRTC and TSRTC and private operators deploy special buses during the Sankranti festival season to manage the heightened traffic from cities like Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Chennai towards destinations across Andhra Pradesh. For the 2024 season, APSRTC has set ambitious plans to operate 6,795 special buses starting from January 10. These services will be offered at standard fares. Hyderabad serves as a key departure point for special buses connecting to different parts of Andhra Pradesh.
However, recent developments in Telangana pose a challenge for TSRTC. The introduction of the ‘Mahalaxmi’ scheme, offering free travel for women within Telangana, has led to a surge in demand for intra-state travel, making it difficult for TSRTC to allocate buses for special services to Andhra Pradesh during Sankranti.
Reliable sources reveal that APSRTC is adapting to the situation by increasing its initial plan of 1,600 special buses from Hyderabad to approximately 3,000 buses, maintaining the standard fare. This strategic move positions APSRTC to compete with private operators who often hike fares during festival seasons like Sankranti and Dasara.
APSRTC is meticulously organising resources, including buses, manpower, and supervisors, to meet the additional demand from Hyderabad. The management anticipates this Sankranti season to significantly boost revenue, positioning APSRTC as a key player in meeting the festive travel requirements.
MD Ch D Tirumala Rao confirmed the plan to operate 6,795 special bus services, with 3,570 buses running before Sankranti (from January 6 to 14) and 3,225 buses post-Sankranti (from January 16 to 18). Of these, 1,600 buses will operate from Hyderabad, with additional services from Bangalore, Chennai, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Rajamahendravaram, and Tirupati. Normal fares will be collected for these special services.
To enhance customer support, RTC will station staff at bus stops in Hyderabad and provide 24×7 information through the helpline numbers 0866-257005 and 149 call centres, ensuring a seamless travel experience for passengers during the festive season.
