Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar announced plans for extensive transport arrangements aimed at facilitating the movement of pilgrims during the upcoming Godavari Pushkaralu in 2027. The initiative will mirror the logistics seen at major events like the ‘Maha Kumbh Mela’ and ‘Medaram Jatara’,ensuring smooth access to the ‘pushkar ghats’ along the Godavari River over the 12-day festival.
During a ceremony in Manthani town, where he and IT and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu laid foundation stone for renovations at the local bus stand,Prabhakar emphasized the importance of these arrangements. He noted that the state government has established a Cabinet sub-committee tasked with developing a comprehensive action plan for the event.
Prabhakar detailed that bus stands at key pilgrimage sites from Basar to Bhadrachalam will undergo significant upgrades. Special buses will be deployed to accommodate expected surge of visitors. He highlighted the current administration's commitment to enhancing the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC),which he claimed had been overlooked by the previous government.
Efforts to improve passenger amenities include the purchase of new buses and the recruitment of additional staff. Prabhakar mentioned that approximately ₹310 crore worth of zero-fare tickets have been issued to women under the Mahalakshmi Scheme, showcasing the government's focus on welfare initiatives.
In discussions about future of TSRTC, Prabhakar reiterated government's intention to merge the corporation with other entities, stating that talks would commence with union representatives following the upcoming trade union elections. He urged workers to disregard any misinformation regarding the merger process.
Minister Sridhar Babu expressed optimism about fulfilling the long-standing demand for a bus depot in Peddapalli,announcing a budget of ₹93 lakh for improvements at the Manthani bus stand,which will include two new platforms. The Kaleshwaram bus stand is set for development with an estimated investment of ₹3 crore, further enhancing transport infrastructure in the region.
