Nagpur: In a major festive relief for commuters, passengers travelling by Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) buses from Nagpur will be spared the proposed 15% seasonal fare hike during the Diwali rush. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik rejected the proposal on Thursday, ruling out an additional financial burden on passengers during the festive season.
The MSRTC administration had proposed a 15% fare increase from November 1 to 15, 2026, citing the expected surge in passenger traffic during Diwali. However, Sarnaik turned down the proposal, stating that citizens already struggling with drought, inflation and rising living costs should not be made to pay more for essential transport services.
The decision is expected to bring considerable relief to thousands of passengers travelling from Nagpur to their native places to celebrate Diwali with their families. With travel demand traditionally surging during the festival, retaining existing fares will help commuters avoid additional expenditure on journeys undertaken during the holiday period.
MSRTC’s iconic red buses, popularly known as ‘Lalpari’, remain a vital transport lifeline for rural Maharashtra. Farmers, agricultural labourers, students, employees and senior citizens depend heavily on these services to travel between villages, towns and cities. A seasonal fare hike would have increased their expenses at a time when household budgets are already under pressure.
Sarnaik maintained that the corporation’s financial difficulties should be addressed through alternative measures rather than transferring the burden to passengers. He also emphasised the importance of ensuring safe, reliable and affordable bus services, particularly for people in remote villages who have limited public transport alternatives.
The rejection comes ahead of the Diwali travel rush, when thousands of people leave major cities to reunite with their families. For Nagpur commuters, the decision means they can plan their festive journeys without the proposed seasonal increase in MSRTC fares.
