Overview
- Andhra Pradesh’s APSRTC will run 8,432 special buses at regular fares, prioritising 6,000 intra-state trips and 2,432 services to Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai across pre- and post-festival windows.
- Telangana’s TGSRTC will operate 6,431 special buses with fares up to 1.5 times on peak days, while the Mahalaxmi free-travel scheme for women continues on designated services from key Hyderabad hubs.
- Tamil Nadu announced 10,245 special buses from January 9–14, set up 24x7 control rooms and helplines, and warned private ‘omni’ operators against excess fares during the Pongal rush.
- South Central Railway confirmed 150 special trains, opened bookings, shifted several services from Secunderabad to other terminals to ease congestion, and advised passengers to check updated schedules.
- Private interstate bus fares have spiked sharply on routes linking Hyderabad with cities in Andhra Pradesh, prompting intensified RTA inspections and warnings of action against overcharging and permit violations.