TSRTC buses rerouted to Medaram, causing delays at Hyderabad stops.
Auto rickshaw fares soar amid rising demand during the diversion.
On Tuesday, February 20, commuters in Hyderabad encountered lengthy waits at bus stops as the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) diverted more than half of its fleet to the Medaram Jatara, scheduled from February 21 to 24. This diversion caused a ripple effect, leading to a surge in auto-rickshaw fares due to heightened demand.
Initially, TSRTC had outlined plans to deploy 6,000 buses, with 1,800 originating from Hyderabad, to facilitate the transportation of around 30 lakh devotees expected to attend Asia’s largest tribal festival. However, the diversion of buses for the festival significantly impacted regular services, inconveniencing daily commuters. In response, VC Sajjanar, TSRTC’s managing director, issued an appeal to the public for understanding and cooperation during this period of disruption.
In preparation for the influx of devotees for the Sammakka Saralamma Medaram Jatara, TSRTC organized the deployment of 6,000 special buses. Most of these buses, diverted from various city and district depots, have already been dispatched to Medaram, the venue of the festival. This strategic move aims to streamline transportation and ensure smooth commuting for the large number of attendees expected at the event.
To further facilitate the movement of devotees, TSRTC established 51 camps across Warangal, Khammam, Karimnagar, and Adilabad districts. These camps serve as vital logistical centers, offering assistance and support to pilgrims traveling to and from the Medaram Jatara. By setting up these camps strategically, TSRTC aims to enhance the overall experience for devotees and minimize potential logistical challenges associated with such a massive gathering.
However, despite these efforts to streamline transportation and accommodate the influx of devotees, the diversion of buses for the festival has had a tangible impact on everyday commuters in Hyderabad. With a significant portion of the city’s bus fleet redirected, commuters are experiencing delays and longer wait times at bus stops. This disruption has forced many commuters to explore alternative modes of transportation, such as auto-rickshaws.
The surge in demand for auto-rickshaws, prompted by the diversion of buses and the resulting inconvenience for commuters, has led to a corresponding increase in fares. As commuters seek alternative means of transportation to navigate the city, auto-rickshaw drivers capitalize on the heightened demand by raising their fares. This surge in fares further exacerbates the challenges faced by commuters already grappling with disruptions to regular bus services.
In light of these developments, commuters are urged to plan their journeys accordingly and exercise patience during this period of heightened demand and transportation adjustments. While efforts are being made to ensure the smooth operation of transportation services for the Medaram Jatara, it is essential for both commuters and transport authorities to work together collaboratively to mitigate disruptions and minimize inconvenience for all stakeholders involved.
As the Medaram Jatara unfolds, TSRTC remains committed to providing reliable transportation services to facilitate the smooth movement of devotees and attendees. By leveraging its fleet of special buses and establishing logistical support centers, TSRTC aims to uphold its mandate of serving the public while ensuring a seamless commuting experience for all.