I believe there should be reasonable limits on bus and train fares during festive seasons. Courts should not fix fares themselves or interfere in every commercial decision. However, they should step in when fares become excessive and authorities fail to enforce existing rules. In Maharashtra, private bus operators cannot charge more than 1.5 times the corresponding MSRTC fare. The rule is important, but its effective implementation during festive rush is equally necessary. Indian Railways has also used flexible pricing on certain trains, linking fares to demand. Special trains do not connect every city or destination. For me, public transport is not a luxury.

 

Many people migrate to other cities for work and return home only during festivals. They should not have to pay unreasonable fares to meet their families. The travel expense does not end at the railway station or bus stand. Passengers must also pay for an auto-rickshaw, cab or other local transport to reach home. Higher fares increase the total burden on families already managing tight budgets. I do not support unrestricted judicial control over transport fares. I support fair pricing, transparency and strict enforcement of existing rules. Courts should intervene when necessary to ensure that authorities perform their duties and passengers are not exploited. (As told to Dheeraj Fartode)