Sankranti Holidays: Private Bus Operators Triple Fares Across Telangana and AP

As Sankranti approaches, private bus operators across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are facing criticism for charging exorbitant fares, significantly higher than the rates set by the RTC. Despite regulations to maintain fare parity with RTC, many private operators are charging nearly three times the usual prices on major routes, forcing families and individuals to pay inflated prices to return home for the festival.

Popular routes to cities like Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Kurnool, and Rajahmundry have seen a sharp increase in ticket prices due to high demand. Typically, AC bus fares range from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,800 for a journey to Vijayawada. However, during the festive period, prices have surged to Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000, with similar hikes on routes like Hyderabad to Visakhapatnam.

To mitigate this issue, the TGSRTC and APSRTC are stepping in with nearly 6,000 special buses each to accommodate the surge in passengers. They are encouraging travelers to book through RTC services to avoid inflated fares and ensure a hassle-free journey.

In response to these fare hikes, Regional Transport Authority officials are conducting special drives across the cities, taking action against private bus operators for overcharging passengers and booking cases against violators. Travelers are advised to plan their journeys early and opt for RTC services to enjoy a more affordable and stress-free travel experience this Sankranti season.

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