Private bus fares on popular Diwali routes have reportedly risen to as much as Rs 7,000, prompting the Pune Regional Transport Office to launch inspections against operators accused of overcharging passengers during the festival travel rush.
The Pune RTO began a special inspection drive on November 1, with checks scheduled to continue until November 20, 2026. Officials said private contract bus operators cannot charge more than 1.5 times the corresponding Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation fare for the same category of bus.
The reported fare increases have drawn criticism from passengers travelling between cities such as Mumbai and Pune and their hometowns for Diwali. According to the report, some passengers alleged that fares on certain routes had increased two to three times compared with normal levels. One passenger claimed on social media that a fare had risen from Rs 700 to Rs 4,000, while other complaints referred to tickets priced between Rs 6,000 and Rs 7,000.
Passengers also questioned the regulation of private bus ticket prices, with some comparing the highest fares with the cost of air tickets. Screenshots of fares listed on booking applications were shared on social media, and users criticised Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik and the transport department over the alleged increase.
The RTO said operators must display fare charts inside their buses. Inspection teams are checking permits, passenger capacity and the availability of mandatory safety equipment in addition to examining ticket prices. Officials warned that action would be taken against operators found charging more than the permitted rate.
The enforcement drive places responsibility on transport officials to check both the price displayed to passengers and the operating conditions of private contract buses. The checks are also intended to identify buses carrying more passengers than authorised or operating without required safety equipment, issues that can become more consequential during periods of concentrated festival travel.
Passengers who believe they have been overcharged can contact the RTO helpline at 1800-22-0110. Officials said complainants should provide details of the bus along with photographs of their tickets. The report said Transport Commissioner Rajesh Narvekar could not be reached for comment.
