Maharashtra Transport Minister and Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) chairman Pratap Sarnaik has rejected a proposal for a 15 per cent fare increase on state transport buses during the Diwali travel period, saying passengers should not face an additional financial burden amid drought conditions and rising inflation.
The MSRTC administration had proposed a uniform fare increase from November 1 to November 15, 2026, to manage the corporation’s financial difficulties during the festive rush. Sarnaik did not approve the proposal, meaning the seasonal increase will not be implemented during the specified period.
The decision is expected to provide relief to passengers who depend on state-run buses for daily travel and festive journeys across Maharashtra. The MSRTC operates an extensive network linking villages, towns and cities, making it a critical transport provider for farmers, agricultural labourers, students, salaried employees, senior citizens and workers.
A temporary fare increase during Diwali could have raised the cost of travel for people visiting family members, returning to their native places or travelling for work. The impact could have been greater for households in drought-affected areas, where lower agricultural earnings and increased household expenses are already putting pressure on family budgets, according to the report.
Explaining his decision, Sarnaik said the government had to consider the financial circumstances of ordinary citizens before approving a measure that would increase daily expenses. “Despite ST’s financial losses, we will not burden ordinary citizens. Standing by people during difficult times is our duty,” he said, according to Mid-Day.
The minister also said the government would not abandon farmers and other sections of society during periods of economic distress. He maintained that public welfare should remain a priority even while the state transport corporation faces financial losses.
Sarnaik acknowledged the MSRTC’s financial concerns but said higher passenger fares should not automatically be used as the default response. He said the corporation had a responsibility to provide safe, reliable and affordable transport, including services for people living in remote areas.
The minister called for alternative measures to improve the MSRTC’s financial position, although no specific measures were identified in the announcement. He said the corporation’s difficulties would have to be addressed without passing the additional costs on to passengers during a period of economic hardship.
“During times of crisis, wiping tears from people’s eyes is more important than reaching into their pockets. We will explore alternative ways to overcome the ST’s financial difficulties but we will not forget our duty to provide relief to people facing hardship,” Sarnaik said.
The proposed fare increase will therefore remain unimplemented for the November 1-15 festive period. The next step outlined by the minister is the exploration of alternative ways to address the MSRTC’s financial challenges while retaining affordable bus services.
