It is the Diwali time, the biggest festival in India. It is matched only to Christmas in the European countries in the proportion of celebration as well as trade. In view of the movement of the people, almost all mode of transport fail to provide adequate service. The private bus operators literally make hay during this time. There seem to be no body to control the scandalous malpractices of the trade.

The private tour operators have increased the bus fare for cities like Nagpur, Latur, Nanded and Solapur, where most of the people move during the Diwali vacations. Most of the young people residing in Pune, because of study or service, come from far places in Maharashtra. People coming from other state constitute less in the number compared to Maharashtrians. These people flock to bus stands to catch a vehicle to their respective village or town. But state road transport corporation (MSRTC) fail to provide adequate number of buses. This year, it is also handicapped by the large number of buses deployes in the service of election commission. Railways have limited trips and it does not have as wide reach as the road travel service have.

This lefts the traveller with little option but go for the private operators. These operators do not lose a chance to make profit during this time. A common ticket for seating chair bus costs Rs 250-300 in normal times. Just last week, I found it was being sold at Rs 500. Sleeper class bus ticket is normally available at Rs 300-350. It is now available at Rs 600. Compare this to the ticket fare charged by MSRTC which stands at Rs 330.

Regional Transport Office official make it clear each year that RTO does not have any control over the fare structure. It is upto these operators to decide the amount. RTO comes in picture only when the bus has more passengers than capacity or if any passenger complains. With short span of time in hand and too much confusing procedures, hardly anybody dares to do that. This leaves the road open to private operators.