Festival Travel Turns Costly as Private Buses Hike Fares for Return Journeys
Passengers returning from festival trips are facing a harsh reality. Private travel buses have sharply increased fares for journeys back to Hyderabad and other destinations. This situation affects not only Andhra Pradesh but also Telangana.
Massive Passenger Movement Meets Soaring Prices
Around 400,000 people traveled from Hyderabad to their hometowns in Andhra Pradesh recently. They used RTC buses, private buses, and trains. Many bore steep fare increases during their outward journey. Now, the return trip brings the same financial pain.
Private travel operators raised prices over Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. They targeted the heavy passenger flow returning after festivals. Despite existing regulations, many operators charged multiple times the normal rates.
Fares Rival Air Travel Costs
The fare hikes are particularly severe for popular routes. Air-conditioned sleeper coaches from Visakhapatnam to Hyderabad now cost between Rs 4,000 and Rs 5,000. Some passengers report even higher charges.
These prices approach airfare levels for the same route. From Visakhapatnam to Vijayawada, private tour operators demand Rs 2,500 and above. The situation creates significant financial strain for travelers.
Passenger Voices Frustration
D Prasad, a software employee, shared his experience. He paid Rs 4,500 for his journey from Hyderabad to Visakhapatnam. For his return trip, operators forced him to pay Rs 5,000.
Prasad accused private travel operators of seizing the opportunity. He said they are exploiting the festival season to raise fares unfairly. His story reflects a common complaint among travelers.
Scale of Private Bus Operations
Private travel operators reveal their operational scale. Approximately 2,000 private travel buses operate daily from Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Most buses travel to major destinations like Vijayawada, Guntur, Rajahmundry, and Visakhapatnam. They also serve other parts of both states. This extensive network highlights their market influence.
Public Transport Struggles with Demand
APSRTC and Telangana RTC are running hundreds of special services. These buses connect major towns and cities in Andhra Pradesh. However, the rush of festival passengers remains very high.
Many special trains pass through Visakhapatnam to various destinations, including Hyderabad. Yet all seats and berths are reserved. Reservations on numerous trains show regret status, indicating no availability.
The combination of limited public transport capacity and private fare hikes creates a perfect storm. Travelers face difficult choices between high costs and uncertain availability.
