Police stationed at KTR’s residence amid TGSRTC protest.
KTR clarified he only intended to meet the RTC MD and personally submit a representation regarding ticket hikes.
Police Deployed at KTR’s Residence Amid BRS Protest Over TGSRTC Fare Hike
Hyderabad: Police were stationed at the residence of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president KT Rama Rao (KTR) on Thursday, October 9, ahead of a planned protest against the fare hike by the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC).
Wish the police show the same level of enthusiasm about controlling the crime rate that is spiraling in Hyderabad,” he wrote.
KTR’s statement highlighted the tension surrounding the planned protest, which the BRS had announced a day earlier. The party intended to draw public attention to the revised bus fares, which critics argue place an undue burden on everyday commuters.
According to the protest plan, KTR was to travel from Rathifile Bus Station in Secunderabad, former education minister Sabitha Indra Reddy would board from Maheshwaram, and Siddipet MLA Harish Rao would start his journey from Mehdipatnam. Each leader planned to travel by bus to the RTC MD office, submitting a formal representation demanding a rollback of the fare hike.
The fare increase has been defended by the state government, which cites rising operational costs and planned expansions in the public transport sector. Telangana Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar criticized the BRS for organizing the protest. BRS’s previous tenure in power.
Prabhakar went on to explain the government’s rationale for the fare revision. Over the next three months, 275 new electric buses are planned for deployment, supported by charging stations installed at depots — each costing roughly Rs 10 crore. The minister emphasized that fare adjustments were necessary to accommodate these investments and ensure sustainability of the RTC system.
He also contrasted the current government’s approach with that of the BRS, pointing to the free bus scheme launched by the Congress government immediately after assuming office in Telangana. According to Prabhakar, the initiative has so far provided 2.5 billion free rides, a figure he suggested underscores the government’s commitment to affordable public transport.
Despite the government’s explanation, commuters and opposition leaders argue that the fare hike disproportionately affects daily travelers, especially students, low-income workers, and senior citizens who rely heavily on public transportation. The protest is intended to amplify these voices, calling for a more balanced approach that considers both operational costs and the public’s ability to pay.
Observers note that the heightened police presence outside KTR’s residence reflects not only concerns about public order but also the political sensitivity of the issue. Public demonstrations over transport fares have historically drawn large crowds, sometimes leading to confrontations, and authorities are keen to maintain control while avoiding escalation.
KTR’s social media post drew widespread reactions, with supporters lauding him for personally boarding the bus to submit the representation, framing it as a symbolic act of solidarity with everyday commuters. Meanwhile, critics questioned the necessity of such a protest, pointing to the government’s long-term plans for public transport modernization.
As the day unfolds, Hyderabad residents are watching closely, eager to see whether the protest will prompt any dialogue between the government and opposition leaders. While the issue centers on fare adjustments, it has grown into a broader debate on accountability, public service delivery, and political responsibility in Telangana.
The BRS protest and police deployment underscore the deepening tensions around public transport policies and the challenge of balancing modernization with affordability. Whether it leads to fare rollback or simply sparks further debate, it reflects the high stakes of civic issues in a rapidly urbanizing state like Telangana.