AFZALGUNJ: As inter-district buses were allowed to ply in Telangana beginning Thursday, Hyderabad's busy spot Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS) wore a deserted look on the first day.

About 250 buses have been operated on Thursday from different districts in the state.

"In 250 buses, about 10,000 passengers have travelled," said MGBS assistant manager Sudha. "We have set up pedal sanitizers at all information centers and toilets in the bus stand and the passengers are allowed to board in after sanitizing the bus," she added.

All passengers, including the driver and conductor, must clean their hands before boarding the bus, and everyone had to mandatorily wear face masks. Passengers should sit only in their allocated seats keeping in view physical distance to contain the spread of coronavirus, she advised.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao took the decision to exempt the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) from the night curfew that is in force across the state. Also, the buses coming into the state capital from rural areas will henceforth be allowed to reach up to Jubilee Bus Station and Imlibun Bus Stations.

Taxis and auto-rickshaws will be allowed up to the waiting stands of these bus stations for the convenience of the passengers. However, the ban on city buses in Hyderabad will remain in force.

While maintaining that coronavirus spread hasn't seen any spurt following the relaxation of some lockdown restrictions, he, however, cautioned the people to remain vigilant and follow all the necessary precautionary measures.