Difficulty accessing free bus rides in Hyderabad's old city

Despite the State government's introduction of 'free travel for women,' numerous women residing in the historic areas of the city are unable to benefit due to the absence of bus services in the old city. Over time, the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) has phased out bus services from various parts of the old city, leaving students, office workers, and others relying on alternative transportation like auto-rickshaws to reach their destinations or the nearest bus stops.

Until a few years ago, bus services were available from locations such as Yakutpura SRT colony, Bagh-e-Jahara, Chanchalguda Rahmatia School, Nawab Sahab Kunta, Teegalkunta, Vattepally Nice Hotel, Indiranagar Hassannagar, Ghousenagar Bandlaguda, Wadi–e Mustafa, Bismillah colony, Shaheehnagar, and Rein Bazaar to Charminar, Koti, and Nampally.

"With the onset of the Covid pandemic, TSRTC withdrew bus services, forcing students and office workers to purchase bus passes while also spending a significant amount on sharing auto fares," complained Mohd Rahman, a social activist from Tallabkatta. The discontinued bus services had previously helped the working class reduce commuting costs.

Earlier, bus number 178 operated between Vattepally and Charminar. Now, individuals like Khan have to take a shared auto from Vattepally to Engine Bowli and catch a bus to reach Secunderabad. Residents, such as Mohd Riyazuddin from Misrigunj, suggest that the widened road stretch between Shahalibanda Volga Hotel to Bahadurpura via Fateh Darwaza could be utilized for bus routes connecting Charminar to Kishanbagh or Aramgarh.

Ayesha Fatima from SRT colony highlighted the dependency of hundreds of students on RTC buses for commuting to colleges and schools. However, since the services were withdrawn, they have resorted to sharing auto services or being dropped off by parents at the nearest bus stop.

Fahad Bawazeer from Barkas argued that narrow roads should not be an excuse, pointing out that buses have plied on the same routes for decades. Azmath Jaffery, a social worker, urged TSRTC to prioritize citizens' convenience over revenue generation, suggesting the reintroduction of morning and evening bus services on the withdrawn routes.

In response, a TSRTC official mentioned that mini-buses introduced in the old city were phased out gradually. The official stated that if new mini-buses are procured and allocated, they will resume services on the routes, especially if public representatives advocate for it.

TSRTC Managing Director, VC Sajjanar, assured a review of complaints regarding the withdrawal of bus services. He stated that the authorities are not only addressing complaints but also considering demands for new bus services across the State. After the review, appropriate steps will be taken to revive bus services where needed.