■ RTC has launched special buses every 5 to 10 minutes from Hanamakonda to Kaleshwaram

■ On May 18 alone, RTC operated 700 buses (both directions), transporting 37,000 passengers, with nearly half alighting at Kaleshwaram

■ A day earlier, on May 17, about 22,000 people traveled using 500 buses, covering routes from Warangal, Karimnagar, Mancherial, and Hyderabad

Mahesh Avadhutha| Hyderabad 

As the sacred Saraswati Pushkaralu draws devotees from across Telangana, the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) is playing a pivotal role in transporting thousands to Kaleshwaram, the spiritual heart of the event. With no direct train connectivity to Kaleshwaram, RTC buses have become the primary public transport option for pilgrims, particularly those from lower and middle-income groups.

The 12-day festival, which began on May 15 and concludes on May 26, has seen a steady surge in footfall, especially over the weekend. Pilgrims throng to take a holy dip at Triveni Sangham and offer prayers at the Sree Kaleshwara Mukteshwara Swamy and Maha Saraswati Devi temples.

To accommodate the rising rush, RTC has launched special buses every 5 to 10 minutes from Hanamakonda to Kaleshwaram and vice versa, informed Vijay Bhanu, Regional Manager for RTC Warangal Region. Other districts like Karimnagar and Mancherial have also ramped up services. In line with the Mahalakshmi scheme, women can travel free of cost even in these special buses.

From Hyderabad, RTC is operating AC buses with bookings primarily online. Officials are dynamically adjusting schedules and deploying standby buses based on demand. Vijay Bhanu says that RTC is also deploying buses at Warangal and Kazipet railway stations to facilitate pilgrims arriving by train, with buses heading directly to Kaleshwaram once filled.

On May 18 alone, RTC operated 700 buses (both directions), transporting 37,000 passengers, with nearly half alighting at Kaleshwaram. A day earlier, on May 17, about 22,000 people traveled using 500 buses, covering routes from Warangal, Karimnagar, Mancherial, and Hyderabad.

Meanwhile, the South-Central Railway is not running any special trains, unlike during the Godavari Pushkaralu. There was no such demand this time, officials said. However, 64 regular trains continue to operate daily between Hyderabad and Warangal, offering an alternative for travellers mostly from the state capital, who are planning a trip suddenly. Devotees arriving by train are urged to use RTC services to navigate the final stretch to Kaleshwaram.

With narrow roads and heavy congestion at the Pushkaralu site, RTC officials are urging pilgrims to avoid private vehicles and taxis and instead rely on the robust special bus services designed to ensure safe and smooth travel during this spiritually significant festival.