Bus Tickets Touch ₹5,000, Flights Up to ₹15,000
This Diwali season, travellers on the Pune–Nagpur route are reeling under an unprecedented surge in travel costs, with private bus operators hiking fares by up to 400%. One-way tickets that typically cost ₹1,000–₹1,500 are now selling for as high as ₹5,000, leaving passengers fuming.
While the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) and Indian Railways continue to offer more affordable alternatives, both are running at full capacity. Most trains now display “Regret” status, and hundreds of passengers remain on long waiting lists. Despite the clear case of overcharging, the Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) in both Pune and Nagpur have yet to act, drawing public ire for their inaction.
Dynamic Pricing Pushes Fares to Record Highs
Between October 16 and 20, private bus operators have introduced aggressive dynamic pricing, increasing fares by 300–400% compared to last month.
According to the IRCTC website, popular trains like the Duronto Express and Garib Rath have waiting lists exceeding 200 passengers in both sleeper and AC classes. Even extra festive MSRTC services — including the newly introduced Shivai electric buses — have sold out.
Fare Comparison: Pune–Nagpur (One Way)
| Mode | Sept 16–25, 2025 | Oct 16–25, 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Private AC Sleeper Bus | ₹1,000–₹1,500 | ₹4,500–₹5,500 |
| MSRTC Bus (Govt) | ₹900–₹1,200 | ₹900–₹1,200 |
| Train (Sleeper/AC) | ₹700–₹1,200 | ₹700–₹1,200 |
| Flight (Economy) | ₹4,000–₹7,000 | ₹10,000–₹15,000 |
Airfares Skyrocket Amid Festive Rush
Even air travel — once considered the most convenient option — has become unaffordable. Flight tickets, which normally range between ₹4,000 and ₹7,000, now cost ₹10,000–₹15,000 one way.
“The prices are unbelievable. It feels like airlines are exploiting the festive rush,”
said Ashwin Paliye, a Pune-based professional trying to reach Nagpur.
Travellers Turn to Cars and Carpooling
With trains and buses fully booked and flights beyond reach, many passengers are opting for personal vehicles and carpooling for the 715-km journey. Social media platforms and ride-sharing apps are flooded with posts from travellers seeking companions to share fuel and toll costs, which themselves add up to several thousand rupees.
However, long hours on the Samruddhi Mahamarg have raised safety concerns, particularly about driver fatigue during the overnight drive.
Consumer rights groups have called on the government to cap fares during festive seasons and take strict action against private operators indulging in price gouging.
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