Hyderabad: Telangana’s rapid expansion of govt medical colleges has exposed a widening gap in student safety, with infrastructure lagging far behind growth. Since 2023, the state has added at least 18 new govt medical colleges, taking the total to 36. But hostels, transport, and basic facilities have struggled to keep pace.The risks came into focus on Saturday when a private bus ferrying 40 students from Govt Medical College (GMC) Bhadradri Kothagudem to a hostel nearly 6 km away met with an accident. At least 10 students were injured. All students were later discharged. Students say daily travel over long distances in poorly regulated private buses or on their own has become routine.This was not an isolated case. Last year, five third-year MBBS students from the same college were injured in a similar accident while returning to their hostel, suffering fractures, muscle tears, and head injuries.The issue has gained urgency after the National Medical Commission (NMC) flagged infrastructural deficiencies in 26 of Telangana’s 36 govt medical colleges during recent inspections.Students from colleges in Medak, Narayanpet, Mahabubabad, Jogulamba Gadwal and other districts told TOI that their colleges, hostels, and teaching hospitals are often located 2 to 12 km apart. Many rely on overcrowded autos or costly private transport arranged by colleges.“Our college started in 2021 and hostel construction began in 2022, but the hostel buildings are still incomplete. Students are scattered in rented blocks far away, often in cramped conditions. Private buses are hired, but there’s no clarity on fitness checks,” said a final-year MBBS student from GMC Bhadradri Kothagudem.A second-year student from GMC Narayanpet, which opened in 2023, said there is no bus facility at all for the 100 MBBS students whose hostel is 8 km away. “Some use autos, others their own vehicles. I spend around Rs 1,500 a month from my pocket,” he said.Transport shortages are common elsewhere. At GMC Karimnagar, a single bus serves about 160 students. GMC Ramagundam has two buses for 300 students. At GMC Nagarkurnool, one 50-seater bus caters to 450 students commuting 5 km. “It takes three trips to move everyone,” said a third-year student.Despite NMC’s 2022 MBBS regulations mandating nearby hostels or free, reliable transport, several students, especially from low-income backgrounds, say they are being charged additional bus fees. “Temporary buses were arranged for Jan and Feb, but now they’re collecting Rs 4,800 for March to May,” said a student from GMC Maheshwaram. Similar concerns were raised by students at GMC Asifabad.Dr Srinath, president of TSRDA, said the rapid rollout of colleges created serious infrastructure gaps. “College-run bus services must be mandatory where campuses are split. Without safe, reliable transport, students lose academic time and face added financial strain, affecting both learning and clinical training,” he said.
