All bus-stations in Telangana state are likely to become commercial hubs with restaurants and movie theaters. TS RTC is studying the feasibility of converting them into business centres on the lines of malls in the city. In order to generate more revenue from non-transport commericial operations the corporation is coming up novel business ideas.

One such idea is to construct mini-movie theaters in major bus-station across Telangana state along with fast -food stalls. To change the bus station ambiance on a par with any private mall, the RTC is thinking of entering into tie up with fast-food restaurants such as McDonalds as well as other pharmacy chains and other business ventures.

According media reports, the transformation of bus stations into commercial centres is expected to begin from state capital Hyderabad. Bus stations such MGBS, Jubilee, Hayatnagar, Patacheru, Falkkuma, where ample space is available are the front runners in the race to have mini theaters. In the next phase, the experiment will be extended to district headquarters and other important cities such as Sircilla, Gadwal, Yadadri, Zaheerabad etc which are on highways and have the business potential.

The TSRTC officials, who have received many proposal to set up mini theaters and restaurants are waiting for a formal clearance from the state government. According GV Ramanarao, TSRTC Joint Managing Director, the corporation has taken an in-principle decision to set up mini theaters at major bus station complexes and examining the business models submitted by interested parties. Once a formal approval is granted, they will move ahead. Even though the official are not sure of the number of mini theaters they could set up, they are definitely enthused by the novel proposals.

They say RTC is has number of spacious bus station constructed keeping in view the future needs of the people and about 70 per cent of them can be put to use for commercial activities.