Nagpur: Passengers planning to travel to villages using Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) buses during the upcoming Diwali season will face a 10% fare increase, as the corporation prepares to manage the expected surge in demand. The fare hike will be applicable across all bus services for a month, starting from October 25 and continuing until November 25.

The festive season, marked by Diwali and Bhai Dooj, traditionally sees a significant rise in the number of people traveling to their hometowns to celebrate with family and friends. Bus stands across the state become especially crowded during this period, with a focus on routes to rural areas. To accommodate the increased rush and manage its operational costs, MSRTC has decided to implement this temporary fare adjustment.

Revised Fare Structure:

Currently, the fare for ordinary and fast buses stands at ₹8.70 per phase, which will now increase to ₹9.55 with the 10% hike. Semi-luxury and sleeper bus fares will see an adjustment from ₹11.85 to ₹13.05. E-bus tickets will rise from ₹12.35 to ₹13.60. Additionally, fares for premium services such as Shivai, Shivshahi, and Shivneri will also increase from ₹12.35 to ₹13.60 per phase.

This fare hike is expected to impact a large number of passengers, particularly those traveling to rural areas to celebrate Diwali. However, MSRTC has assured that the fare increase is a temporary measure intended to cope with the high demand during the festive period.

Speaking about the fare adjustment, MSRTC's regional manager, Shrikant Gabhane, stated that the increase is only a short-term measure. He assured passengers that ticket prices will revert to their normal rates once the festive season concludes on November 25.

The decision has drawn mixed reactions from commuters, with many acknowledging the need to manage demand but expressing concerns about the higher costs during the already busy festive season.