Why is Dussehra trending in India today?
The Dussehra festival is prompting a surge in travel, so state transport corporations have added thousands of special buses to handle the crowd. Both APSRTC and RTC have announced detailed schedules and extra routes for the holiday period.
What happened
- Earlier
APSRTC announced 5,261 special buses from Oct 16‑25 for inter‑city travel, including 1,186 to Hyderabad and 475 to Bengaluru [1]
- Earlier
RTC scheduled 3,533 special buses for the Karimnagar zone and 2,155 for the Hyderabad zone, with extra services on Oct 9, 10, 16, 17, 25 and 26 [2]
What you need to know
Book tickets in advance via the APSRTC or RTC websites or apps.
Special buses may have higher fares, up to 1.5 times the regular price, on peak travel dates.
Women can still use the free‑travel scheme under the Mahalakshmi programme.
Additional amenities like water, seating and mobile toilets are being provided at major bus points.
Exact passenger numbers for the upcoming Dussehra travel surge have not been released, and it is unclear how many of the extra buses will run at full capacity.
Background
Dussehra is a major Hindu festival that often involves family visits and pilgrimages, leading to heavy road traffic in South India. State transport bodies typically increase services to accommodate the demand.
APSRTC and RTC have coordinated to run special buses from major cities such as Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Bengaluru and Chennai to various districts, aiming to reduce congestion and provide safe travel options.
The transport agencies have also adjusted ticket pricing for these special services and maintained existing free‑travel benefits for eligible women.
Questions people ask
How can I reserve a seat on a special Dussehra bus?
Reservations can be made online through the official APSRTC or RTC websites or mobile apps, or by calling their helplines.
Will the fare be higher on these special buses?
Yes, fares may increase up to 1.5 times the regular price on designated peak dates, while regular services keep standard rates.
Are there any extra facilities for travelers?
Major bus stations will have added seating, water, public address systems and mobile toilets for passenger comfort.
Where this came from
Found through Google Trends and drafted with AI from at least two cited sources. Published automatically after passing our automated checks for sources, wording and safety. It may not have been reviewed by a person yet. Report a correction.