Pune: More than 200 Konkan-bound MSRTC buses were fully booked, forcing many citizens heading home for Ganeshotsav to shell out more to buy tickets with private bus operators.Passengers alleged that private bus operators and agents were exploiting the festive rush to charge exorbitant fares — a problem that resurfaces every year.Anand Kurve, a working professional from Pune who hails from Ratnagiri, said two private bus agents in Sangamwadi quoted him Rs 4,500 for a ticket home this weekend — more than twice the usual fare.“I went directly to the counter, ignoring them, and was charged the regular fare. I have now told my friends travelling on Sunday to try for train tickets. This overcharging happens every year, and the RTO (Regional Transport Office) does not seem to take any action,” he said.Anil Chandrakar, who is heading home to Raigad on Sunday said, “I have dropped the idea to travel home by bus and instead take a train. Last year, private bus operators scammed me into paying Rs 3,500 for a non-AC seat in a bus. It is better to travel by train.”RTO officials said enforcement squads would monitor private buses for overcharging during the festival.“We are planning a major drive, which will continue throughout the festival. Major transporters are aware of the rules and have to follow them strictly. Action will be taken against operators found fleecing passengers,” a senior RTO official said.Officials said private buses are permitted to charge up to one-and-a-half times the fare of a corresponding MSRTC bus on the same route during the festive period.“Passengers should keep this formula in mind before lodging complaints. Complaints should also be supported by proof. If a complaint is genuine, action will definitely be taken,” another RTO official said.Rajan Junawane, president of the Pune District Bus and Car Owners Association, said higher fares during festivals were inevitable.“This is the time for bus operators to earn some money. Business has been difficult for many transporters because of e-challans and other factors. Buses travelling to different destinations during festivals often have to return empty,” he said.Anand Lohe, owner of Ashray Travels, which operates buses to Goa via Sindhudurg, said all buses were full for the weekend ahead of the festival.“We are strictly following the fare regulations and formula prescribed by the state govt. The rush is mainly during the first few days of the festival and again after it ends,” he said.Arun Siya, divisional controller of the Pune MSRTC division, said bookings were particularly heavy between Sept 10 and 13.“All buses are fully booked for now. We will operate around 14-15 additional buses to destinations in Konkan if there are more passengers. We are keeping a close watch, and instructions have been issued to ensure all buses are maintained. The weekend is expected to be busy,” he said.Passengers also have the option of travelling by special trains.Hemant Kumar Behera, divisional commercial manager and PRO of the Pune railway division, said two special trains were currently being operated and had seats available.“Passengers can easily book tickets on these trains. Depending on the passenger flow, more services could be considered as the festival progresses,” he said.The Pune railway division also conducted a sustained drive on Wednesday against unauthorised persons, beggars and others occupying or loitering on and around Pune railway station premises, as part of efforts to control unnecessary crowding.
