VIJAYAWADA: Several Hyderabad-bound RTC buses were stranded at Chityal and Choutuppal on the National Highway No 9 due to flash floods on Saturday. Passengers had a harrowing time even as the RTC authorities diverted all Hyderabad-bound services via Suryapet, Janagaon, Bhongir and Ghatkesar after 4 p.m.

About 10 buses faced the problem while RTC officials cancelled 30 to 40 services following the floods.

95 services hit

In all, 95 bus services from Krishna district were affected.

Some passengers were unwilling to continue their journey in view of the incessant rain, and they returned to Vijayawada with the help of RTC officials.

Passengers of Nuzvid-Hyderabad bus grew restive and suspended their journey midway. The officials arranged a bus to bring back the passengers at their request. Others preferred to wait till the authorities found an alternative.

RTC regional manager M. Sitapati said that they had suspended all Hyderabad-bound services from 9 a.m. on Saturday and began fresh buses via Suryapet and Janagaon in the evening.

The obstructions and cancellation of services caused a loss of Rs. 2.5 lakhs to the RTC Vijayawada region.

The stranded buses headed towards Hyderabad via Suryapet, Janagaon, Alair, Bhongir, Ghatkesar and Uppal.

Officials watchful

Tickets were issued at the reservation counter at Pandit Nehru Bus Station. Passengers were refunded in case of cancellation of journey.

Officials kept a close watch on the flood situation in streams and drains with a view to meeting any eventuality in case of buses being stranded.

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