TSRTC targets to ferry 23 lakh pilgrims to Medaram

Medaram (Mulugu): The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) has massive plans to cater to the needs of devotees who turn to Medaram during the four-day biennial Sammakka Saralamma jatara, touted as Asia's largest tribal fair.

The RTC has plans to run 4,000 special buses to ferry nearly 23 lakh devotees from across the Telangana to Medaram.

RTC Operations Executive Director E Yadagiri who inspected arrangements for the upcoming jatara at Medaram on Saturday, also held a review meeting with officials.

Yadagiri said that they would set up 51 special bus stations across the State exclusively for the Medaram jatara. As many as 12,500 employees including officers, supervisors, workers and security personnel will be on duty during the jatara, he added.

"A makeshift bus station would be set up in the 59 acres at Medaram. The entire area will be under the surveillance of closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras linked to the police command and control room.

The bus station will be equipped with electricity, drinking water RO plant, toilets, and other basic amenities. Temporary sheds will be erected for the staff to take rest," he said.

A medical camp will be set up at the bus station round the clock. As many as 39 queues have been arranged for the convenience of the devotees travelling in buses, he said, adding that a temporary garage will also be set up along with spare parts, besides running mobile relief vehicles.

Referring to the bus tariff fixation from various destinations to Medaram, Yadagiri said that RTC is more inclined on service motto rather than focusing on profits.

He said that devotees can book their tickets online for super luxury and AC buses.

He said that special buses to Agrampad jatara, popularly known as mini Medaram, and Vemulawada Raja Rajeshwara Swamy temple.

RTC's finance Advisor N Ramesh, Vigilance JD Ramchander Rao and Warangal Regional Manager A Sridhar were among others present.