Sankranti Rush: Bus Stands, Railway Stations Jam-Packed; Private Operators Exploit Passengers

• Massive rush for Sankranti festival travel from cities to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana villages since January 9-10.
• Major bus stations in Hyderabad (MGBS, JBS, Uppal, LB Nagar, Aramghar) and Vijayawada (Pandit Nehru Bus Station) are overflowing.
• TGSRTC operates 6,431 special buses with 50% extra fare; APSRTC runs 8,432 special buses without extra charges.
• Private travel operators are charging double or triple the normal fares, causing passenger distress.
• Highways, especially Hyderabad-Vijayawada NH-65 at Pantangi toll plaza, are experiencing massive traffic jams.

Why It Matters: Sankranti travel causes immense rush, traffic, and exploitation by private operators, despite special transport arrangements.