The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) has announced the operation of 3,495 special buses for the upcoming Sammakka-Sarakka Maha Jatara. These buses will incur 50% extra charges for their services, with the possibility of more buses being deployed if needed. The special buses will run from various districts, including Karimnagar, Warangal, and Adilabad, as well as other locations in the state.
Under the Mahalakshmi Scheme, women can travel for free in these special buses, limited to the ordinary and express bus categories. The Sammakka-Sarakka Maha Jatara, also known as Medaram Jatra, is a significant biennial tribal festival in Asia, set to take place from January 28 to 31 in Medaram, Mulugu district. Minister for Women and Child Welfare Seethakka, Minister for Tribal Welfare Adluri Lakshman, and Chief Secretary Ramakrishna Rao recently reviewed the event’s preparations at a meeting held at the State Secretariat.
A 50-bed hospital, along with two mini hospitals and 30 medical camps, is being established at Medaram by the health department. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka has assured that all arrangements for the Jatara will be finalized by January 15. The State government has allocated ₹260 crore for this year’s event, with ₹150 crore for event arrangements and ₹110 crore for permanent temple infrastructure. This festival is not just a tribal celebration but a symbol of Telangana’s self-respect and cultural significance.
