Telangana reduces bus operations as heatwave grips India

Amid scorching heat, the Telangana State Road Transportation Corporation is reducing bus services in Greater Hyderabad. Starting Wednesday, buses won't run from 12 pm to 4 pm due to decreased public movement during the hot afternoons. Telangana's bus services will resume at 5 am in the morning and continue until midnight.

The decision came as a response to the ongoing heatwave in India. The India Meteorological Department forecasts heatwaves in parts of Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Kutch and Saurashtra, Konkan, Yanam, coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for the next four days.

A heatwave is a situation where the air temperature rises significantly, posing health risks. It's defined by specific temperature thresholds, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius considered a heatwave for plains and 30 degrees Celsius for hilly areas.

In response to these weather conditions, Telangana road transportation is adjusting its operations to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers. This includes deploying non-AC electric buses, such as the recently launched green Metro Express buses, to minimise environmental impact during high temperatures.

The heatwave's impact extends beyond transportation. There's a travel advisory urging individuals to stay hydrated, limit prolonged sun exposure, and take essential steps to prevent heat-related ailments such as heatstroke.