Why are BRS Leaders Protesting the Bus Fare Increase in Hyderabad?
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Synopsis
Tensions flared in Hyderabad as Bharat Rashtra Samithi leaders staged a protest against the recent bus fare hike by TGSRTC. With police intervention and a strong presence of BRS leaders, the call for a rollback highlights the growing discontent over government policies affecting public transport. Discover the implications of this protest for the citizens and the future of RTC.
Key Takeaways
- Tensions escalated during BRS protest against bus fare hike.
- BRS leaders demand a rollback of RTC fare increases.
- Police presence heightened in response to the protests.
- K.T. Rama Rao accuses the government of privatizing public transport.
- New fares aim to support electric bus infrastructure development.
Hyderabad, Oct 9 (NationPress) Tensions escalated during the Bharat Rashtra Samithi's protest march towards Bus Bhavan, as they sought a reversal of the recent increase in RTC bus fares in Hyderabad on Thursday.
Police intervened at multiple locations, creating a charged atmosphere.
BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao, along with senior leader T. Harish Rao and other significant figures, arrived at Bus Bhavan, the headquarters of the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC), to deliver a memorandum to its Managing Director, Y. Nagi Reddy.
K.T. Rama Rao and former Ministers Talasani Srinivas Yadav, Padma Rao, and Sabitha Indra Reddy utilized an RTC bus, traveling from Rathifile Bus Stop to Bus Bhavan.
Meanwhile, Harish Rao and other leaders made their way to Bus Bhavan from the Mehdipatnam Bus Stop.
Police had established stringent security measures at Bus Bhavan, preventing BRS supporters from entering the premises.
Eventually, authorities permitted K.T. Rama Rao, Harish Rao, and a few other prominent leaders to present their memorandum to the MD.
K.T. Rama Rao contended that the government is attempting to privatize TGSRTC and accused it of incurring losses by implementing a free bus travel initiative for women. He questioned, "Why is the government placing this financial burden on the public?"
The BRS leader pointed out that while the government promotes free travel for women, it has doubled fares for men and raised bus pass rates for children by 25%.
K.T. Rama Rao further alleged that the government has already harmed Hyderabad Metro by ousting L&T and is now focusing on undermining and privatizing TGSRTC.
Earlier, the BRS claimed that K.T. Rama Rao, Harish Rao, and other leaders faced house arrest to prevent their protest from taking place.
A significant police presence was stationed outside the residences of BRS leaders, including K.T. Rama Rao, Harish Rao, former ministers, as well as BRS MLAs and MLCs, from early morning.
The TGSRTC raised bus fares in Hyderabad starting October 6. Under the new fare structure, passengers using City Ordinary, Metro Express, E-Ordinary, and E-Express services will incur an additional charge of Rs 5 for the first three stages and Rs 10 starting from the fourth stage. For Metro Deluxe and E-Metro AC services, the extra fee will be Rs 5 for the first stage and Rs 10 from the second stage onwards.
This adjustment aims to support the development of electric bus infrastructure in the city.
Point of View
It is clear that the Bharat Rashtra Samithi’s demands reflect a significant public concern regarding transportation costs and government accountability. The imposition of higher fares raises questions about the sustainability of public transport in the city. The nation must consider the broader implications of such policies on citizens' welfare and the potential privatization of essential services.
NationPress
03/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the BRS protest in Hyderabad?
The protest was triggered by the recent increase in RTC bus fares implemented by TGSRTC, which BRS leaders are demanding to be rolled back.
Who are the key leaders involved in the protest?
Key leaders involved in the protest include K.T. Rama Rao, T. Harish Rao, and former ministers Talasani Srinivas Yadav, Padma Rao, and Sabitha Indra Reddy.
What changes were made to the bus fare structure?
The new fare structure includes an additional Rs 5 for the first three stages and Rs 10 from the fourth stage for various bus services.
What are the concerns regarding the fare increase?
Concerns include the financial burden on citizens and allegations that the government is attempting to privatize the TGSRTC, leading to potential service reductions.
How has the police been involved in the protest?
Police established tight security at Bus Bhavan and intervened to prevent BRS workers from entering the premises during the protest.
