Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) Joint Managing Director M. Siva Prasad on Monday (October 12, 2026) announced that no additional fare is being imposed on passengers traveling on special buses operated during the festive season.
Addressing the media in Vijayawada, the Joint Managing Director highlighted the arrangements made for Tirumala–Tirupati Brahmotsavams, induction of new and electric buses, manpower requirements, passenger safety, staff conduct, senior citizen services and welfare measures for outsourcing personnel.
He said a total of 5,261 special buses have been planned across the State to clear the festive rush, and all the special services will be operated at the same fares applicable to regular APSRTC services.
Listing the arrangements made for the Tirumala–Tirupati Navaratri Brahmotsavams, Mr. Siva Prasad said specially selected ghat-fit buses are being deployed exclusively between Tirupati and Tirumala. These include buses from Tirupati district and additional buses mobilised from other districts, including 100 electric buses, he said.
He said that the present fleet is carrying significantly higher passenger loads during peak hours, particularly after implementation of the Stree Shakti free travel scheme.
Accordingly, APSRTC is taking steps to induct approximately 3,000 new buses through various procurement programmes, including 750 electric and 500 CNG buses, over the coming period. Some existing buses will also retire during this period, but the corporation is planning to ensure additional operational capacity through systematic procurement and augmentation. He said the tender process for procurement of CNG buses has been finalised and the award process is being completed.
The JMD further said that another 300 electric buses are being taken up under the Union government’s PM-eBus Sewa Scheme. The tender process has been finalised, and APSRTC is making arrangements for their phased induction, he added.
He also said that the APSRTC is taking steps to provide additional social-security protection to its outsourcing workforce, numbering approximately 8,500 personnel.
He said that APSRTC proposes to enter into an MOU with SBI. Discussions have been held with the State Bank of India (SBI) to facilitate salary accounts for willing outsourcing employees, he added. Under the proposed insurance-linked facility, accidental death or permanent disability due to an accident may be covered up to ₹30 lakh, subject to the applicable terms and conditions of the scheme.
Published – October 12, 2026 08:57 pm IST
