Dasara rush swells at Pandit Nehru Bus Station in Vijayawada
APSRTC is operating 5,261 special buses to cater to the festive surge in passenger traffic within the State and from major cities such as Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai
Vijayawada's Pandit Nehru Bus Station witnessed a surge in passengers preparing to celebrate Dasara with their families during the weekend of October 17, 2026. G.N. Rao of The Hindu reported that the APSRTC (Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation) was operating 5,261 special buses during the festival to accommodate the significant increase in travel demand.
These special buses were deployed in two phases, 3,207 buses from October 16 to 19 and an additional 2,054 buses from October 20 to 25 to ensure timely travel for the festival crowd.
The station was bustling with excitement and activity as passengers carrying bags loaded with clothes, sweets, and gifts navigated through the crowds. Schools and colleges were closed for the holiday, intensifying the influx of travelers. APSRTC Vijayawada Zone Executive Director Vijaya Ratnam explained that the station was experiencing a double surge in passenger traffic due to pilgrims visiting the Kanaka Durga temple atop Indrakeeladri hill and families embarking on their holiday journeys.
The APSRTC's efforts to manage the heavy rush included diverting city bus services and maintaining regular fare prices for special buses, which proved to be a significant relief for passengers concerned about rising travel expenses. This approach contrasted sharply with private bus operators who had reportedly increased fares, prompting many to seek more affordable alternatives.
The APSRTC faced the challenge of deploying additional buses efficiently across busy routes to ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience for the festive rush.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
