With Diwali approaching, the annual rush to return home and celebrate with families has become an expensive ordeal for passengers travelling out of Mumbai and Pune. Private tourist bus operators are allegedly charging exorbitant fares, with ticket prices on some routes reportedly climbing to as much as Rs 7,000, leaving passengers questioning how operators are being allowed to exploit the festive rush.
As reported by Mid-Day, passengers have alleged that private bus fares have surged to two or three times their usual rates. On one route, a ticket that ordinarily costs around Rs 700 was reportedly being sold for Rs 4,000. Other fares have reportedly touched Rs 6,000 to Rs 7,000, bringing the cost of travelling by bus uncomfortably close to that of air travel.
The steep increases have triggered considerable anger on social media, with passengers directing their criticism at Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik and his department. Their complaints raise a larger question about the state’s ability and willingness to ensure that private transport operators do not turn the festive rush into an opportunity for unchecked profiteering.
“Are there no regulations whatsoever on private bus ticket prices? Fares have reached Rs 6,000-7,000, almost the same as flight tickets. What are people who book at the last minute supposed to do? Celebrate Diwali in their paying guest accommodation?” one passenger wrote on X.
Another user questioned the transport minister’s apparent inaction, asking whether he was “asleep or pretending to be”. Sharing screenshots of fares listed on booking platforms, a passenger pointed to the disproportionate increase in ticket prices, asking how a fare of Rs 700 could suddenly rise to Rs 4,000.
The complaints reflect the particular vulnerability of passengers during festive periods. With trains and other affordable transport options often difficult to secure closer to the holiday, many travellers have little choice but to turn to private buses. Operators are able to capitalise on this limited availability, while passengers who have to make last-minute journeys are left bearing the financial burden.
🚨🚌 PUNE PASSENGERS, DON’T PAY EXTRA THIS DIWALI!
Private bus operators cannot charge you whatever they wish during the festive rush.
Pune RTO has inspected 250 buses and has already taken action against 20 operators for fare violations.
Know your rights:
🔹 Maximum fare = 1.5 times the corresponding MSRTC fare.🔹 Overcharging? Complain on WhatsApp: 8275330101
🔹 Send your name, mobile number & ticket photo.
🔹 Enforcement drive continues till November 20.
Operators violating the rules face legal action.
Don’t stay silent. Keep your ticket. Report overcharging. Share this information with fellow Pune travellers!
#Pune #PuneNews #PuneRTO
— Pune City Life (@PuneCityLife) November 2, 2026
Even after warnings by @RtoPune the fleecing still continues !
@PratapSarnaik when will this loot stop ?
Rs 900 ticket now Rs 2,200 : Pune travellers feel the pinch of Diwali bus fare surge @MMVD_RTO
On November 5, Pune–Nagpur private bus tickets range from about Rs 1,500 for non-AC to Rs 6,800 for a Volvo AC sleeper, per seat.
📝 @IndianExpress— Surajya Abhiyan (@SurajyaAbhiyan) November 1, 2026
Pune RTO launches inspection drive
Amid mounting complaints, the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) launched a special inspection drive on November 1 to check private contract buses and prevent operators from charging passengers’ excessive fares. According to The Times of India, the drive will continue until November 20, 2026.
RTO officials have clarified that private bus operators cannot charge more than 1.5 times the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) fare for the corresponding category of bus. Operators are also required to display fare charts inside their vehicles, enabling passengers to verify the applicable rates.
Officials have warned that action will be taken against operators found violating the prescribed fare limits. The inspection drive will also examine whether buses have valid permits, whether operators are carrying passengers beyond their authorised capacity and whether mandatory safety equipment is available.
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