Nation’s First ‘GI on Wheels’ Flagged Off in Hyderabad

In a first-of-its-kind initiative to promote Telangana’s GI-tagged handicrafts , the state government has launched “GI on Wheels” , taking traditional art forms directly to the public. The programme was inaugurated on Friday by Jishnu Dev Varma at the Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station in Hyderabad.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor described GI-recognised crafts as powerful symbols of Telangana’s cultural heritage and said the initiative would help expand market access for rural artisans .

Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar said the government is committed to strengthening the promotion and marketing of GI products, adding that the programme is expected to create better livelihood opportunities for artisans.

Six GI Crafts Featured on Buses

Six prominent GI-recognised art forms from Telangana have been showcased on specially designed buses: Pochampally Ikat, Warangal Carpets, Karimnagar Silver Filigree, Narayanpet Sarees, Cheriyal Scroll Paintings, and Nirmal Paintings.

The artwork featured on the buses was designed by students of Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University (JNAFAU), who were honoured with cash prizes and mementoes.

Senior officials, public representatives, and artisans attended the launch, after which the specially decorated buses were formally flagged off. The initiative aims to bring greater visibility to Telangana’s traditional crafts and strengthen artisan livelihoods.