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Harish Rao Criticizes Festival Bus Fares
Harish Rao Criticizes Festival Bus Fare Hike
Harish Rao Condemns Increased Bus Fares
On October 14, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLA T Harish Rao sharply criticized the Telangana government for raising the fares of Telangana Road Transport Corporation (TGRTC) buses during the festive season. The Siddipet MLA targeted Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, accusing him of burdening the public with increased fares instead of providing relief during the festivals. Harish Rao highlighted the impact of the fare hike on the common people who rely on public transport for their travel needs, especially during festivals like Dasara and Bathukamma.
Bus Fares Surge During Festive Season
Harish Rao pointed out specific examples of the fare increase during the festival season. He noted that the fare for traveling from Jubilee Bus Station (JBS) to Siddipet was Rs 140, but the return fare was raised to Rs 200 during the festive period. Similarly, the price of super luxury bus tickets from Hanamkonda to Hyderabad, which was Rs 300 on regular days, was increased to Rs 420 during the Dasara and Bathukamma festivals. According to Harish Rao, these fare hikes put a financial strain on travelers who wish to celebrate the festivals with their families.
Allegations Against CM Revanth Reddy
The MLA from Siddipet did not hold back in his criticism of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, accusing him of failing to increase the number of TGRTC buses during the festival rush. He argued that instead of making travel more accessible, the CM allowed a significant fare increase, making it difficult for people to afford travel. Harish Rao claimed that the chief minister’s actions deprived many people of their happiness during the festive season, as they faced increased travel costs that limited their ability to celebrate with loved ones.
Impact on Common People During Festivals
The fare hike, according to Harish Rao, has disproportionately affected middle and lower-income families who rely on TGRTC buses for transportation during the festive season. The increased demand for bus services during Dasara and Bathukamma creates a need for additional services, but the lack of an increase in the number of buses led to higher ticket prices. Harish Rao emphasized that this decision left many people feeling burdened at a time when they should be enjoying the festivities.
Harish Rao’s Demand for Fair Pricing
In his statements, Harish Rao urged the Telangana government to reconsider the decision to increase bus fares and called for fair pricing that would allow citizens to travel without financial strain. He appealed for the government to maintain affordable ticket prices during festivals, which would enable more people to travel and celebrate with their families. Harish Rao also highlighted the importance of providing adequate transport services during peak travel times to prevent overcrowding and ensure a smooth travel experience.
Political Reactions and Public Sentiment
The criticism from Harish Rao has stirred political discussions within the state, with opposition leaders echoing similar concerns about the increased bus fares. Many people have expressed their dissatisfaction with the fare hike on social media, sharing their struggles to afford travel during the festivals. The issue has brought the focus back to the state’s public transport policies, especially during periods when people seek to travel for celebrations and religious events.
Government’s Response to Fare Hike Criticism
As of now, the Telangana government has not released a formal response to Harish Rao’s allegations regarding the TGRTC fare hike. However, there are expectations that the state may address these concerns, given the public outcry and political pressure. If the government takes steps to reduce the fares or increase the availability of buses, it could provide much-needed relief to travelers and help restore their festive spirit.
Call for Enhanced Transport Services
Harish Rao’s critique highlights a broader issue of public transportation challenges in Telangana during peak seasons. With the rising demand for travel services during festivals, there is a need for the government to plan ahead and provide additional buses at reasonable fares. Ensuring that citizens can travel comfortably without facing steep prices is essential for promoting social and cultural unity during important celebrations like Dasara and Bathukamma.
Disclaimer:
This article discusses statements made by BRS MLA T Harish Rao regarding the Telangana RTC bus fare hike during the festival season. The content is based on public remarks and ongoing political discussions. The information presented is for informational purposes only and does not represent the views of the publication. Readers are encouraged to follow official sources for updates on transport policies and government responses.
