Ahoy Medaram: TGSRTC to ply over 3.4K buses for maha jathra
The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) announced that it will operate 3,495 special buses for the upcoming Sammakka – Sarakka Maha Jatara.
According to TGSRTC, the special buses will be operated from the Karimnagar, Warangal, and Adilabad districts, as well as various other places in the state. The state-owned Corporation said it would get 50 per cent extra charges for special services. It is also ready to operate more special buses, if necessary.
TGSRTC stated that it has the authority to charge an additional fare for special services operated during festivals, fairs, and other festivities.
The Corporation has also announced that under the Mahalakshmi Scheme, women can travel for free in special buses. However, the scheme will only apply to the ordinary and express categories of buses.
Several thousands of devotees are expected to participate in the Sammakka -Sarakka Maha Jatara, a biennial event scheduled to be held at Medaram in Mulugu district from January 28 to 31. Also known as Medaram Jathra, it is considered the most significant tribal festival in Asia.
Meanwhile, Minister for Women and Child Welfare Seethakka, Minister for Tribal Welfare Adluri Lakshman, and Chief Secretary Ramakrishna Rao reviewed the arrangements for the Jathra at a meeting held at the State Secretariat on Tuesday. Senior officials from various departments and the Mulugu district Collector attended the meeting. The health department is establishing a 50-bed hospital at Medaram, complemented by two mini hospitals and 30 medical camps. Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka stated that all arrangements for the Jathra would be completed by January 15.
The State government has allocated Rs 260 crore for this year’s Jathra — Rs 150 crore for event arrangements and Rs 110 crore for permanent temple infrastructure.
He said that this festival is not just a tribal celebration but the heartbeat of Telangana and a symbol of Telangana’s self-respect.
