BRS leader Harish Rao alleges Telangana bus fare hikes during festivals

T. Harish Rao, Deputy Leader of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) in the Telangana Assembly, has accused the state government of increasing bus fares during the Bathukamma and Dussehra festivals, placing an additional burden on passengers.

Harish Rao alleged that regular bus services are being reduced in favor of so-called 'special buses' that charge higher rates. He cited specific examples, claiming fares from Jubilee Bus Station (JBS) to Karimnagar rose from 230 rupees to 400 rupees, and from Mahbubnagar to Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS) increased from 220 rupees to over 290 rupees. He also questioned the economic impact on families, noting that while women receive free travel under the Mahalakshmi scheme, the increased costs for male passengers may offset the benefits for the household.

The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) has rejected these allegations, stating that fare structures are being determined according to government orders issued in 2003. The corporation denied cutting regular services and noted that it has actually increased special bus operations by 97 percent to accommodate the festive rush.