Mumbai, 16 Oct (HS): Maharashtra Transport Minister

and Maharashtra State Transport Corporation (MSRTC) Chairman Pratap Sarnaik

rejected the 15 per cent seasonal fare hike proposed for the Diwali rush

season, questioning why the public should face the additional burden of fare

hike when the farmer was reeling under the effects of drought. The common

citizen was suffering financially due to inflation and the family was

struggling to make ends meet.

The ST's passenger fares are increased seasonally

during the Diwali rush every year. This year too, the ST administration had

submitted a proposal to Minister Sarnaik to increase the passenger fare by 15%

from 1 to 15 November 2026. However, he rejected the proposal, arguing that it

was not appropriate to further burden the population, which was already facing

an economic crisis.

Even if the ST Corporation suffers a financial loss,

it would not be fair for the common commuters to compensate for it. ST's' bus is

an integral part of the daily lives of millions of people in rural Maharashtra.

It is an important source of affordable travel for farmers, agricultural

labourers, students, employees, senior citizens, and the working class. So, the

fare hike would have had a direct impact on their day-to-day expenses. This

additional burden would have been difficult to bear, especially for families in

distress due to the drought.

This government is sensitive. Expressing

confidence that farmers and the general public will not be left to fend for

themselves during the crisis, Sarnaik said that it is the responsibility of the

government to understand the problems of the people and provide relief to them.

While economic calculations are important, the sufferings of the people and

their struggle for survival also need to be considered.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Ajay Vasant Mardikar