With Diwali travel demand skyrocketing, the state transport department launched a special drive from October 21 to November 9 to curb overcharging by private bus operators. Complaints surged as bus operators on key routes such as Pune, Nashik, and Hyderabad hiked fares by as much as 300%, with tickets priced at Rs 3,000 instead of the usual Rs 1,000
To tackle the issue, state transport commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar directed regional and deputy transport officers to enforce the fare cap from a 2018 government order, which limits private buses to charging no more than 50% above Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation rates. “Overcharging is a recurring issue despite regulations, and we are taking swift action to protect passengers,” Bhimanwar stated.
The special drive will deploy flying squads to monitor online and offline bookings, ensuring operators follow fare limits. These squads will also inspect permits, safety measures like fire extinguishers and emergency exits, and compliance with road safety rules. Violators will face penalties, with detailed reports submitted for further action.
To aid passengers, fare charts will be prominently displayed at all boarding points, showing the maximum allowable fares per kilometer and seat. A dedicated helpline will be available for reporting fare violations. Bhimanwar encouraged travelers to file complaints with local transport offices, providing evidence of overcharging for swift action against violators. Meanwhile, the Nagpur division of Central Railway is enhancing services to manage the festive rush, proposing additional trains from November 2 to 10, including daily routes between Nagpur and Pune, as well as Nagpur and Mumbai. A tri-weekly service between Nagpur and Danapur is also planned from October 30 to November 13 to accommodate the Chhath Puja rush.
These services complement the bi-weekly Nagpur-Pune festival special trains, which will operate from October 21 to November 12. Bookings for all trains can be made at computerized reservation centers and on the IRCTC website. The MSRTC is also contributing by introducing 43 additional buses from Nagpur and Bhandara to Pune starting October 24. Deputy General Manager Shrikant Gabhne confirmed that no extra charges will be applied during the festive season, offering much-needed relief to passengers. These additional buses are part of a broader strategy to accommodate the significant increase in travelers during Diwali. The combined efforts of the state transport department, Central Railway, and MSRTC aim to ensure safe and affordable travel for passengers during the busy festive season.