Hyderabad needs 6K buses, has only 2850: Owaisi.
Akbaruddin Owaisi highlighted that Hyderabad has significantly fewer buses compared to other major cities in South India. He pointed out that while the city requires at least 6,000 buses to meet the transportation needs of its growing population, it currently has only 2,850 buses. This shortage impacts the efficiency and accessibility of public transportation, making it challenging for residents to commute. Owaisi’s statement underscores the need for investment in public transport infrastructure to improve connectivity and reduce congestion in Hyderabad.
In Hyderabad, Akbaruddin Owaisi, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) floor leader, raised concerns about the inadequacy of public transportation in the city. Speaking on Monday, Owaisi highlighted that the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) currently operates 2,850 buses in Hyderabad, far below the estimated requirement of 6,000 buses needed to effectively serve the city’s population. He pointed out that these buses are essential for transporting an average of 9 to 11 lakh (900,000 to 1.1 million) commuters daily, with approximately 10 lakh (1 million) people relying on buses for their daily transportation needs.
Owaisi compared Hyderabad’s bus fleet with those of other major South Indian cities, noting that Bangalore operates over 6,000 buses while Chennai runs more than 5,000 buses daily. This disparity underscores the need for a significant expansion of Hyderabad’s public bus fleet to meet the growing demand for public transportation. He emphasized that the current number of buses is insufficient to cater to the needs of the city’s residents, leading to overcrowded buses and inadequate service coverage.
In addition to the shortfall in the number of buses, Owaisi also addressed the discontinuation of mini-bus services in Hyderabad. These services previously played a crucial role in providing transportation to residents in suburbs and neighborhoods with narrower roads, where regular buses might not be able to operate effectively. He called for the reintroduction of these mini-bus services to enhance connectivity and accessibility for commuters living in these areas.
Owaisi’s remarks come amid broader efforts by the Telangana government to improve the state’s public transportation infrastructure. The TGSRTC recently ordered 1,000 electric buses as part of an initiative to reduce emissions and promote sustainable transportation solutions. These electric buses are expected to be delivered in phases and will contribute to a greener and more environmentally friendly public transport system in Hyderabad.
The TGSRTC currently operates a total fleet of 9,139 buses across Telangana, including 2,724 hired buses and 6,415 buses owned by the corporation. This fleet serves an average of 54.19 lakh (5.419 million) passengers daily, playing a vital role in the state’s public transportation network. However, the challenges faced in Hyderabad highlight a pressing need for further investment and expansion to accommodate the city’s growing population and transportation needs.
The situation in Hyderabad reflects a broader trend in Indian cities, where rapid urbanization and population growth are putting increasing pressure on public transportation systems. Effective public transportation is critical not only for reducing traffic congestion and pollution but also for ensuring that all residents have access to affordable and reliable means of travel. Expanding the bus fleet, reintroducing mini-bus services, and adopting cleaner technologies like electric buses are steps that can significantly improve the efficiency and sustainability of public transportation in Hyderabad.
As Hyderabad continues to grow, addressing the shortfall in public transportation infrastructure will be crucial for maintaining the city’s livability and economic vitality. The efforts of leaders like Akbaruddin Owaisi to draw attention to these issues and advocate for solutions are vital in ensuring that the needs of all residents are met. The expansion of the bus fleet and the adoption of electric buses represent positive steps toward a more inclusive and sustainable transportation system, but ongoing investment and planning will be necessary to keep pace with the city’s development.
In conclusion, Akbaruddin Owaisi’s call for an increase in the number of buses in Hyderabad and the reintroduction of mini-bus services highlights the critical need for enhanced public transportation infrastructure in the city. The current fleet operated by the TGSRTC falls significantly short of the required capacity, impacting the daily commutes of hundreds of thousands of residents. As the city continues to grow, it is essential for local and state governments to prioritize the expansion and modernization of public transport services to ensure that they can meet the demands of a rapidly urbanizing population.