Amaravati, January 10, 2026: In Kurnool, Deputy Transport Commissioner S. Shantha Kumari issued a firm warning to private bus operators against exploiting the current festival travel surge by charging excessive fares.
She stressed that contract carriage and tourist buses must stick to permitted rates and avoid fleecing passengers. Violators face registration of cases against bus managements.
The official also mandated key road safety measures: valid permits, fitness and pollution certificates, insurance, emergency exits, fire extinguishers, safety hammers, first aid kits, and a second driver for long services. Buses must display the helpline 9281607001.
This comes as Andhra Pradesh sees heavy movement ahead of Sankranti, with private fares reportedly surging on routes like those to Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam. APSRTC has rolled out thousands of special services at regulated fares, prioritizing intra-state travel.
