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Telangana RTC to Run 3,495 Special Buses for Asia's Largest Tribal Festival

The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation will operate 3,495 special buses for the upcoming Sammakka-Sarakka Maha Jatara, Asia's most significant tribal festival. The special services will run from multiple districts, with women eligible for free travel on ordinary and express buses under the Mahalakshmi Scheme. The state government has allocated ₹260 crore for the biennial event, funding both temporary arrangements and permanent temple infrastructure. Health preparations include a 50-bed hospital and numerous medical camps for the millions of expected devotees.

Key Points: Telangana RTC Special Buses for Medaram Jatara 2024

  • 3,495 special buses for devotees
  • Women travel free on ordinary/express buses
  • ₹260 crore state allocation for event
  • 50-bed hospital among health facilities
  • Festival runs from Jan 28-31 at Medaram
2 min read

Telangana RTC to operate 3,495 special buses for Medaram Jatara

Telangana RTC to operate 3,495 special buses for Medaram Jatara. Women travel free under Mahalakshmi Scheme. ₹260 crore allocated for the festival.

"This festival is not just a tribal celebration but the heartbeat of Telangana and a symbol of Telangana's self-respect. - Deputy Chief Minister"

Hyderabad, Jan 13

The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation on Tuesday announced that it will operate 3,495 special buses for the upcoming Sammakka-Sarakka Maha Jatara.

The state-owned Corporation said it would receive 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 special buses will be operated from the undivided Karimnagar, Warangal, and Adilabad districts, as well as various other places in the state.

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.

Millions 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 Jatra, 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 Jatara 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 Jatara would be completed by January 15.

He stated that permanent structures are being constructed to highlight the cultural grandeur of the festival and ensure a hassle-free experience for devotees.

The State government has allocated ₹260 crore for this year's Jatara - ₹150 crore for event arrangements and ₹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.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit L
Good to see the government allocating ₹260 crore and focusing on permanent infrastructure. Medaram Jatara is a matter of pride for our state. However, I hope the 50% extra bus charge is justified and the services are comfortable and punctual.
S
Suresh O
The scale of healthcare arrangements is impressive - a 50-bed hospital, mini hospitals, and 30 medical camps. For an event expecting millions, this is crucial. Safety and health of devotees should be the top priority. Good job by the health department.
A
Anjali F
My family is planning to go from Warangal. It's reassuring to see such detailed arrangements. The fact that it's called the heartbeat of Telangana is so true. It's more than a festival; it's our cultural identity. Can't wait to experience it!
K
Karthik V
While the arrangements seem thorough, I have a respectful criticism. Charging 50% extra for special buses during a major festival feels a bit exploitative. For many devotees, this is a once-in-two-years pilgrimage. Couldn't the fare be subsidized?
M
Michael C
Visiting India during this time. Reading about this festival is fascinating – considered the largest tribal festival in Asia. The logistical scale is mind-boggling. Shows how important faith and community are here. Hope to witness it someday.

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