Telangana Bandh: People heading to home for Diwali, long weekend wait for bus services to resume; private services cost 3 times more

The Telangana bandh on Saturday (October 18, 2025) came in way of people who reached major bus depots in Hyderabad as Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) buses stayed put from the morning. Many were caught unaware of the bandh. Some, though aware of it, still headed to the depots hoping the public transport services will resume.

With Saturday being beginning of a long weekend and many people heading to their native places to celebrate Diwali on Monday (October 20, 2025), the crowd surged at the depots. All major political parties participated in the bandh demanding enhanced reservations for Backward Classes in rural local body polls.

While the public transport was shut, private services tried to cash in on the situation. Cabs, mini buses were seen outside Jubilee Bus Stand (JBS) in Secunderabad. While an air-conditioned bus ticket from the city to Karimnagar costs around ₹300, private cabs charged around ₹1,000 per person. AC bus ticket to Nizamabad costs around ₹270 to 350, private cabs quoted ₹1,500. 

The JBS was filled with people holding travel bags, backpacks. Tired of waiting, they sought to know when the bus services would resume. All chairs were occupied. Some sat on stairs. People waited for their turn at the mobile charging points there. When people saw RTC staff, they huddled around to ask when the bus would start moving. “We know as much as you do,” said a staff personnel. 

A private employee Harish, who stays in Hyderabad, booked a RTC bus ticket in advance to Manthani in Pedapalli. “I did not check the message from RTC that the bus service was canceled, till the reached the depot,” said Mr. Harish who was waiting at JBS.  

Another person, Tarun, who stays in Madhapur, was seen bargaining with a cab driver for a ride to Nizamabad. “An AC bus ticket costs around ₹450. He is charging ₹1500. I did not know of bandh. Else, I would have took my car,” said Mr. Tarun. Tired from waiting, people who were standing on the same platforms got together to hail rides at a lesser charge. 

Many had similar situations to share. Everyone hoped the bus services would resume at the earliest.