Private Bus Fare Hike Sparks Controversy: Luxury Association President Clashes with Transport Minister

As Diwali festivities approach, travelers in Surat are contending with a sudden surge in private bus fares, causing a stir in the transportation sector. The price increase has defied the directives of Transport Minister Harsh Sanghvi, prompting a clash of words between the minister and the President of the Surat Luxury Association, Dinesh Anghan.

Surat, a city known for its bustling diamond business, witnesses a mass exodus of people traveling back to their hometowns during the Diwali holiday season, particularly those connected to the precious gem trade in Saurashtra. With the upcoming diamond vacation scheduled to begin on November 9 in Surat, private bus operators have chosen to pre-emptively raise fares for routes leading to Saurashtra, much to the dismay of passengers. Instead of the usual Rs. 700 fare, passengers are now being charged a staggering Rs. 1400 for their journey.

Harsh Sanghvi, the Transport Minister, had earlier issued instructions for these fare hikes, considering the increased demand during the festive season. However, his decision did not sit well with Dinesh Anghan, President of the Surat Luxury Association, who was quick to issue a statement defending the fare increase. Anghan asserted that private bus operators have a legitimate right to determine their own fare structures since the buses are privately owned. He argued that during Diwali, buses returning from Saurashtra to Surat often operate with empty seats, and the higher fares help compensate for the loss of revenue during the return leg of the journey.

Anghan also pointed out that even government-run transportation systems, like the Vand Bharat trains, frequently charge elevated fares during peak times, making it clear that fare adjustments are a common practice across the industry. Moreover, he noted that state-run ST buses have started operating during the Diwali vacation in Surat, and their fares are equally high. Anghan’s argument was underpinned by the belief that Harsh Sanghvi should not have any say in the pricing decisions of private bus operators, especially when the government itself engages in similar practices.

The escalating confrontation between Anghan and Sanghvi has raised questions about the power dynamics between government regulations and private business operations in the transportation sector. While the government is responsible for safeguarding the interests of the public and ensuring affordability in public transport, Anghan’s perspective underscores the idea that private operators also require autonomy in pricing to remain profitable.

Transport Minister Harsh Sanghvi, however, remains steadfast in his stance, asserting that his instructions were aimed at ensuring that the public is not subjected to exorbitant fares during the festive season. He is resolute in his belief that his intervention is warranted to prevent potential exploitation of passengers during a time of high demand.

This controversy over private bus fare hikes during Diwali highlights a broader issue surrounding government regulation and private enterprise in the transportation industry. As the dispute rages on, it remains to be seen whether Transport Minister Harsh Sanghvi’s authority will be upheld, or if private bus operators, like those represented by Dinesh Anghan and the Surat Luxury Association, will continue to have the final say in setting fares for their services. For now, passengers caught in the middle can only hope for a resolution that ensures both affordability and profitability in the transportation sector.