Medaram Jatara TGSRTC Special Buses 2026: Here’s Complete Route, Fare and Booking Details
The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) has announced the operation of 4,000 special buses from 25 January to 1 February to facilitate pilgrim travel for the biennial Medaram Jatara. These services will originate from 51 traffic-generating points across the state, including Hyderabad, Warangal, Karimnagar, Adilabad, and Khammam, to accommodate an estimated 20 lakh passengers.
To manage the heavy influx, a temporary 50-acre bus station featuring 50 queue lines has been established at Medaram, supported by over 10,400 personnel and a 24/7 command and control centre. Under the Mahalakshmi scheme, women can avail of free travel on all ordinary and express special services heading to the festival.
The Medaram Sammakka-Saralamma Jatara, often called the “Kumbh Mela of the South,” is India’s largest tribal festival. Held biennially in the dense forests of Mulugu district, Telangana, the 2026 edition is scheduled from January 28 to January 31.
The main reason is that Medaram is a remote forest hamlet with limited permanent infrastructure. TGSRTC (Telangana State Road Transport Corporation) buses serve as the primary lifeline for the millions of devotees travelling from across South and Central India.
For most, the bus is not just a choice but a necessity to navigate the heavy traffic and forest terrain where private vehicle access is often restricted to prevent massive gridlocks.
Andhra Pradesh Launches Free E-Bus Service to AIIMS and Mangalagiri Temple
Medaram Jatara 2026: Key Event Timeline
The festival follows a sacred four-day ritual cycle. Understanding these dates helps in choosing the right bus timings to witness specific traditions.
| Date | Day | Significance / Ritual |
| Jan 28, 2026 | Wednesday | Arrival of Goddess Saralamma from Kannepalli to the Gaddelu. |
| Jan 29, 2026 | Thursday | Arrival of Goddess Sammakka from Chilakalagutta; the peak ritual. |
| Jan 30, 2026 | Friday | Main Day for Bangaram (jaggery) offerings and holy dips in Jampanna Vagu. |
| Jan 31, 2026 | Saturday | Vanapravesham – The symbolic return of the deities to the forest. |
Medaram Jatara TGSRTC Special Bus Fleet & Service Types
To manage the influx of approximately 20 lakh RTC passengers, the corporation has deployed a massive fleet of 4,000 special buses.
- Palle Velugu & Express: These are the most frequent services. They operate on a “fill-and-move” basis and are the only categories where the Mahalakshmi Scheme (Free Travel for Women) is applicable.
- Deluxe & Super Luxury: Non-AC buses with better seating (2+2 layout), ideal for 4–6 hour journeys from district headquarters.
- Rajadhani & Garuda Plus: Premium AC services operating primarily from Hyderabad and long-distance hubs like Bengaluru or Nagpur.
Booking Options: Online vs. Offline
Tickets for the TGSRTC Medaram Jatra special bus services can be booked both online and offline at designated counters located at major boarding points.
Online Booking (Advance Reservations)
For long-distance travellers, online booking is highly recommended to secure a seat.
- Official Portals: tgsrtcbus.in and the TGSRTC Gamyam App.
- Availability: Booking is open for Super Luxury, Rajadhani, and Garuda Plus services.
- Tracking: The Gamyam App provides real-time tracking for all special buses, helping you see the exact location of your bus en route to Medaram.
Offline Booking (Spot Ticketing)
- Boarding Points: Spot tickets can be purchased at any of the 51 traffic-generating points (Depots) across the state.
- Free Travel for Women: Women availing the Mahalakshmi Scheme do not need to book online; they can simply board any Express or Palle Velugu bus at the depot or designated stops.
- At Medaram: A massive temporary bus station with 50 queue lines (extending 9 km) allows 20,000 people to board simultaneously for their return journey.
Best Buses from Hyderabad to Shirdi: Your Spiritual Journey Begins With These Operators
Routes, Timings & Fares
Buses will operate 24/7 from January 25 to February 1, 2026, to ensure no pilgrim is left stranded.
| Route (From) | Major Depots/Boarding Points | Approx. Fare (Male/Special) | Frequency |
| Hyderabad | MGBS, JBS, Uppal, LB Nagar | ₹600 (Express) / ₹1,110 (Garuda) | Every 15–30 mins |
| Hanamkonda | Hanamkonda Auto Nagar Depot | ₹250 (Express) / ₹500 (Garuda) | Every 5 mins |
| Warangal | Warangal City Depot | ₹250 (Express) | Every 5–10 mins |
| Karimnagar | Karimnagar-1 & 2 Depots | ₹390 (Express) | Every 20 mins |
| Khammam | Khammam Depot | ₹480 (Express) | Every 30 mins |
Medaram Jatara TGSRTC Special FAQs
When do the Medaram special bus services start and end?
The special services officially begin on January 25, 2026, and will continue operating round-the-clock until February 1, 2026.
Is the “Free Travel for Women” (Mahalakshmi Scheme) applicable to Medaram buses?
Yes, the Mahalakshmi scheme is applicable for women pilgrims. However, it is restricted to Palle Velugu and Express buses only. For luxury or AC services like Super Luxury or Garuda Plus, standard special fares apply to all.
Will regular city bus services be affected during the Jatara?
Yes, since approximately 4,000 buses are being diverted from various districts and Hyderabad city to Medaram, regular city and inter-district services may experience reduced frequency between January 25 and February 1.
Can I book a bus ticket to Medaram online?
Yes, you can book tickets online for Super Luxury, Rajadhani, and Garuda Plus buses via the TGSRTC official website or the Gamyam App. Ordinary and Express bus tickets must be collected at the boarding points.
Why are the ticket prices higher than usual for the Jatara?
TGSRTC collects a 50% additional fare for special operations during festivals. This is to cover the operational costs of buses that often have to return empty to pick up more passengers.
Where are the main boarding points in Hyderabad for Medaram?
The primary boarding points are MGBS (Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station) and JBS (Jubilee Bus Station). Additionally, special pick-up points are usually arranged at Uppal and LB Nagar for convenience.
Catch the latest Bus Industry updates, Exclusive Interviews, Bus News, and International Bus News on Coach Builders India. Download the latest issue of the The Bus Insider magazine for more insights.
