The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) will be operating 265 buses to Telangana for the 12-day Godavari Pushkarams.
The corporation, for the convenience of pilgrims, is planning to run services to Bhadrachalam, so that they can attend the utsavams at Sri Rama temple. Buses will also be run from Hyderabad to East and West Godavari districts. RTC is plying buses to Rajahmundry, Kovvur, Narsapuram and other places too. The services will begin from Monday with ‘Godavari Pushkarams’ logo, APSRTC Krishna District Regional Manager (RM) P.V. Rama Rao.
“We are running 265 Pushkaram special services. Of them, 30 buses will be operated to Bhadrachalam and about 20 will be run from Hyderabad to the bathing ghats in East and West Godavari districts,” Mr. Rao said. Separate platforms have been arranged for Pushkaram buses and instructions have been given to the officials to ensure services every 15 minutes. The staff will announce the departure of special buses through a public address system.
Besides, Vijayawada, special buses would be operated from Nuzvid, Jaggaiahpet, Gudivada, Vuyyuru, Tiruvur, and other depots. The APSRTC staff, including the officials will render round-the-clock services for passengers during Pushkarams, said Mr. Rama Rao.
Online advance booking
“Online advance booking facility has been provided for the special buses and the response is good. Our buses will go up to the special bus stations arranged by the officials. Free bus facility will be provided to the devotees from the bus stations to the ghats. Devotees can book to-and-fro tickets,” the RM said. Focus would be on providing drinking water, toilet facility and maintaining cleanliness at the bus stations. Steps were being taken to press into service additional forces with RTC security and police personnel for the safety of pilgrims, the officer added.
