Private bus operators across Chhattisgarh have reportedly increased passenger fares on their own accord, citing rising diesel prices and the monsoon season as justification, even though no official approval has been granted for the hike.
According to the report, bus owners have repeatedly petitioned the state government to revise fares but claim their appeals have gone unanswered. Frustrated by the lack of action, operators have taken matters into their own hands and are now charging passengers according to their own rates. To avoid detection by transport department officials, operators are allegedly showing lower fares on online booking platforms while actually charging more offline.
Passengers attempting to book tickets online often find that most seats appear reserved, yet booking agents seem to have no trouble securing seats for a price. Those who book online are also being charged extra for tax and insurance on top of the ticket fare. This practice is said to be particularly common on long-distance night buses.
Local routes affected too
Buses plying between Raipur and nearby towns including Bhilai, Durg, Simga, Dhamtari, Gariaband, Rajim, Bilaspur and Bhatapara have seen fares rise by between ₹10 and ₹25. Commuters allege they are being handed old tickets, and when they question this, they are told new tickets haven't been printed. Some passengers claim they have even been threatened with being made to disembark if they protest.
Passengers seated despite no valid permit
Buses running directly from Raipur to Rajnandgaon are reportedly still picking up passengers despite not holding a valid permit for that route. Commuters are then transferred onto other buses at Durg. Passengers have also complained of long waits when buses fail to turn up, and of having to stand for the journey when buses arrive full.
Operators cite rising costs
Bus owners maintain that fares haven't been revised in several years, despite rising diesel prices and toll charges pushing up maintenance costs over the past decade. They say they have submitted multiple representations to the state government and transport department requesting a fare increase, but no action has been taken so far. Raising fares without official sanction is illegal, but the absence of surprise inspections in the field has allowed operators to continue the practice openly.
Investigation ordered
Responding to the allegations, Additional Transport Commissioner D. Ravishankar said departmental staff have been directed to carry out checks and take action against those found overcharging, adding that the operators' demand for a fare hike is also under consideration.