‘Demand for new buses will continue’

If it’s public transportation, APSRTC buses is the beast taking in the most burden over the years. While the demand for buses is only expected to increase for the common capital, things are in a bad shape.

While the capital continues to expand and new colonies mushroom on the fringes and other localities, residents have been demanding bus connectivity to major locations. Everyday 34 lakh passengers travel in buses and RTC authorities observe that once metro rail operations commence, there could be a ‘deflection’ of three to four lakh passengers.

However, with increased urban migration, “demand for city buses will also continue to increase”, claims a senior RTC official. At least, 2,000 more new buses are needed in addition to the existing fleet of 3800-odd buses to meet fresh demands and improve services.

But then, more buses mean new bus depots. Another 15 depots are required to add to the current 27 bus depots in APSRTC Greater Hyderabad zone jurisdiction. But, land acquisition remains a challenge. Availability of government land is another concern as other departments too are requesting land for expansion and other facilities, informed the official.

“We have been requesting the Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy Collectorates for land to establish new depots but things are not materialising,” he says. This apart, many satellite townships are coming up around the Outer Ring Road (ORR) but lack of radial roads connecting to such areas with major locations is a problem to be tackled. If road congestion is a major concern in core areas, lack of connecting roads with those on the fringe areas is another issue.

City buses are supposed to cover 300 kms but due to lack of roads, traffic congestion and other issues, majority of the buses cover only 200 kms. “It is leading to operational losses. We need a good road network and hope the new government extends to RTC”, they add.