Hyderabad: BC welfare minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Sunday said TGSRTC was implementing a special plan to develop bus stations along the route from Basara to Bhadrachalam for the convenience of pilgrims during the upcoming Godavari Pushkaralu.“Bus stations at Basara, Bhadrachalam, Dharmapuri, Gudem and Kaleshwaram are being developed to facilitate pilgrims visiting temples along Godavari river,” he said after laying the foundation stone for the development of the Dharmapuri bus station, along with SC and ST welfare minister Adluri Lakshman Kumar. The project, estimated to cost Rs 2.5 crore, aims to improve transport facilities for local residents and pilgrims ahead of Godavari Pushkaralu in 2027.Ponnam said govt was planning to establish a bus depot near the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Dharmapuri, considering the large number of devotees visiting the shrine. He directed officials to initiate the land acquisition process and submit proposals. He expressed confidence that the foundation stone for the depot could be laid before the model code of conduct for MLC graduate elections comes into force.The govt was also examining the feasibility of introducing bus services between Dharmapuri and Mumbai and planning night services connecting Karimnagar, Jagtial and Dharmapuri. The minister said the bus station development was expected to be completed by 2026. Plans were also being formulated to ensure RTC bus connectivity to every village. “The govt has procured thousands of new buses, extended pay revision and dearness allowance benefits to employees, reinstated dismissed staff and introduced services to several new colonies and villages,” he said.Listing other initiatives, the minister cited the free bus travel scheme for women, free electricity of up to 200 units for the poor, issuance of new ration cards, distribution of fine-quality rice, enhanced Aarogyasri coverage and interest-free loans for women. Residential school mess charges and cosmetic allowances had also been increased. Ponnam expressed concern over the rainfall deficit attributed to El Niño and prayed for adequate rainfall during his visits to Kondagattu, Dharmapuri and Vemulawada temples.
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