APSRTC to run 5,261 special buses for Dasara

Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) will operate 5,261 special buses across the State to meet the passenger rush during the Dasara festival and ensuing holidays, besides running 425 special services for the Tirumala Navaratri Brahmotsavams. The corporation has decided not to increase fares on festival services. Addressing a press conference at RTC House here on Monday, APSRTC joint managing director M Siva Prasad said the Dasara services would connect major destinations, including Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Bengaluru, Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry, Tirupati and Chennai.

The services would operate in pre- and post-festival phases to facilitate passengers travelling to their native places and returning after the holidays. Additional buses would be deployed based on passenger demand and reservation trends, he said.

For the Tirumala Navaratri Brahmotsavams, APSRTC has planned 425 special services to facilitate pilgrim movement between Tirupati and Tirumala. Specially selected buses suitable for ghat-road operations, including 100 electric buses, would be deployed. Additional drivers and conductors would be arranged, and personnel trained to ensure safe and smooth operations throughout the festivities. Siva Prasad said APSRTC was targeting the induction of 750 electric buses by December 31, with infrastructure works progressing at identified depots. Another 300 electric buses are planned under a Central government programme, with the tender process finalised through Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL).

The corporation is also proceeding with the procurement of 1,450 buses through dry-lease and wet-lease arrangements. The tender process for 500 CNG buses has been completed, and the award process is underway. Overall, APSRTC plans to induct around 3,000 buses to meet rising demand, particularly following the implementation of the Stree Shakti free travel scheme and the retirement of existing vehicles.

Siva Prasad said no final decision had been communicated on appointing on-call or contract conductors, as APSRTC was studying manpower models followed in other States. The corporation was also pursuing Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and higher-pension issues with the concerned authorities.

He said insurance protection was being planned for around 8,500 outsourcing employees, including proposed accidental death or permanent disability coverage of up to Rs 30 lakh, subject to the terms and conditions, through an arrangement with the State Bank of India.

Replying to a question on staff behaviour towards passengers, particularly women travelling under the Stree Shakti free bus travel scheme, he stressed that every ticket was valuable and instructed employees to treat all passengers with respect.

APSRTC executive directors K S Brahmananda Reddy, Raghava Kumar and G V Ravi Varma, and FA and CAO N Sudhakar attended the press conference.

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