Shortage of RTC buses causes hardship to commuters in Anakapalle

Passengers using APSRTC services in Anakapalle are facing difficulties owing to an acute shortage of buses during peak hours, resulting in overcrowding and long waiting times at the RTC complex.

The rush is particularly high between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., and from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., with commuters scrambling to board buses as soon as they arrive at the platforms. Elderly persons, pregnant women, children, and mothers carrying infants are among those worst affected by the heavy crowding.

The Anakapalle RTC depot currently operates around 90 buses, including two express services, while the remaining fleet comprises Palle Velugu, Ultra Palle Velugu, and Metro Express services.

According to RTC officials, passenger traffic has increased significantly since Anakapalle became a district headquarters following the reorganisation of districts four years ago. People from surrounding mandals who earlier travelled to Visakhapatnam for official and personal work are now commuting to Anakapalle more frequently.

Officials said the implementation of the State government’s ‘Stree Shakti’ scheme, which provides free bus travel for women, has further increased passenger traffic since August last year. A majority of women commuters who previously relied on private modes of transport such as autorickshaws, Tata Ace vehicles, and maxi cabs are now opting for RTC buses.

Routes connecting Anakapalle with Vizianagaram, Sabbavaram, Payakaraopeta, Narsipatnam, Chodavaram, Madugula, Devarapalli, and Rambilli are witnessing severe overcrowding due to inadequate bus services.

Passengers who earlier boarded buses at Chodavaram Bus Stop and Nehru Chowk are now travelling directly to the RTC complex, as buses are often filled to capacity before reaching intermediate stops.

When contacted, DPTVO V. Praveen said proposals seeking the allocation of additional buses to the Anakapalle depot had already been submitted and that more buses were expected shortly.