The Pune Regional Transport Office has launched action against private bus operators accused of charging passengers above government-prescribed fares during the Diwali travel rush, with the supplied report stating that fines totalling Rs 7.04 lakh have been recovered. The action followed complaints from passengers travelling from Pune to Marathwada, Vidarbha, Khandesh and western Maharashtra, where demand rises sharply during the festive period.
According to the report published by Punekar News, the RTO began a special inspection drive on November 1 after receiving complaints that some private operators were increasing ticket prices arbitrarily. The enforcement effort is intended to ensure that operators follow prescribed fare limits while carrying passengers during the holiday season.
The report states that the Pune RTO inspected 309 private passenger vehicles after the drive began. Of these, 65 were found violating various transport regulations. It separately says that action was taken against 14 vehicles for charging fares above the prescribed limits and that fines amounting to Rs 7.04 lakh were recovered.
The report also states that a total of 21 private travel operators were penalised. It does not clarify how the figure of 21 operators corresponds with the 14 vehicles identified for fare overcharging. The exact breakdown of operators, vehicles, offences and penalties therefore requires confirmation from the RTO’s inspection and challan records.
The enforcement action comes against the backdrop of a recurring seasonal transport problem. Passenger traffic from Pune to several regions of Maharashtra increases during Diwali as workers, students and families travel to their hometowns. Higher demand can reduce seat availability and create conditions in which passengers have fewer immediate alternatives when private bus operators quote higher fares.
The RTO’s earlier inspection figures indicate that violations were also recorded before the Diwali drive. During September and October 2026, officials inspected 929 private passenger vehicles and found 315 violating transport rules, according to the supplied report. Seven vehicles were penalised for overcharging passengers during that period, while fines totalling Rs 25.82 lakh were imposed for various violations.
Deputy Regional Transport Officer Swapnil Bhosale has directed private bus owners and drivers to keep vehicle documents valid, charge fares within prescribed limits and cooperate with the inspection drive. The direction links fare enforcement with broader compliance checks covering the legal and operational documents required for private passenger vehicles.
Passengers have been asked to report cases of suspected overcharging to the Pune RTO through WhatsApp on 8275330101. The complaint should include the passenger’s name, mobile number and a photograph of the ticket as evidence. The RTO’s inspection drive is ongoing, while the precise relationship between the reported operator and vehicle figures remains to be established from official records.
