Incidents of public altercations between women over seats in buses have been on the rise in recent days, highlighting a growing issue in the state. What began as an attempt to provide free bus services has now led to a series of squabbles, with women resorting to pulling hair and exchanging blows in public spaces, often causing disruptions in transit.
On Monday, the tension reached a peak at Kaleshwaram bus station, where passengers, particularly women, grew increasingly impatient as they awaited their ride. As a bus finally arrived, a fierce battle erupted among women fighting aggressively for available seats. The chaos escalated as physical confrontations ensued, with cursing and hair-pulling becoming the focal points of the confrontation. Despite the situation getting out of hand, the bus crew expressed their inability to intervene and prevent the escalation of violence.
The issue has become more prominent following the free bus services introduced on special occasions like Vasanta Panchami day. Inadequate bus services, compounded by the absence of additional vehicles to accommodate the large number of devotees, led to rising frustration among passengers. The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) failed to deploy extra buses during the peak hours, intensifying the already strained situation. With not enough buses to meet the demand, the lack of proper seating arrangements became a catalyst for conflict, particularly among women competing for limited spots.
Also Read: Women, above 60, to get free travel in UPSRTC buses
The free bus initiative, which was introduced to ease transportation for the public, especially during religious or festive occasions, has clearly backfired in this instance. Instead of alleviating the pressure on commuters, it has inadvertently fostered an environment of tension, where even verbal altercations quickly escalate into physical fights.
This is not the first time that such squabbles have occurred. Similar incidents have been reported in Hyderabad and several districts across the state. Bus crews and onlookers alike have expressed concern over the escalating aggression, with many pointing out the inability of the TGSRTC management to adequately address the root causes of these disturbances.
While the free bus facility was intended to serve the public interest, it has now raised questions about the feasibility of such schemes without appropriate planning. The growing number of violent incidents signals the need for a reevaluation of both the transportation infrastructure and crowd management strategies, to ensure that free services do not inadvertently harm the very people they are meant to serve.
(This story is sourced from a third-party syndicated feed. Raavi Media takes no responsibility or liability of any nature. Raavi Media management/ythisnews.com can alter or delete the content without notice for any reason.)
