BRS leader and former minister Harish Rao criticized the Telangana government for increasing RTC fares during the Bathukamma and Dussehra festivals, putting a heavy burden on the people. He alleged that the fare hike has dampened the enthusiasm of those going to their hometowns for the festival. He demanded that the fare hike be withdrawn immediately. Harish

Rao was furious that they were charging high fares by reducing regular services and presenting them as festival special buses. The regular ticket price from JBS to Karimnagar was Rs. 230, but now Rs. 400 is being charged. He also said that the ticket from Mahabubnagar to MGBS, which was Rs. 220, has been increased to over Rs. 290. Is this your public administration? He questioned the government.

However, TGSRTC sources have clarified that this fare hike is applicable only to the 7,000 special buses running for the festive rush. They said that the fares for regular services remain unchanged. Officials explain that this 50 percent surcharge is being imposed to compensate for the operating costs incurred due to the buses returning empty after ferrying passengers to their destinations during the festive season.

TGSRTC says that this surcharge is being collected as per the government order (GO MS No. 16) issued in 2003 and that this is not a new policy. However, the opposition has criticized the issue as unfair and a political debate has started on this issue.