The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) on Thursday, 15 October 2026, officially withdrew its proposal to impose a 15 per cent seasonal fare hike on bus tickets ahead of the Diwali festive season, providing direct relief to millions of commuters across Maharashtra. Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik personally rejected the proposal, citing the financial hardship already facing ordinary citizens, drought-hit farmers, and inflation-burdened households.

What Was Proposed and Why It Was Rejected

The MSRTC had submitted a proposal to implement the 15 per cent fare increase between 1 November and 15 November 2026 — covering the peak Diwali travel window — as part of a traditional practice to offset rising operational costs during festive rushes. Minister Sarnaik rejected it outright, questioning the rationale of adding to the public's financial burden at a time of widespread economic stress.

'The common citizen, struggling with inflation and farming families dealing with drought conditions, are already enduring immense financial pressure. Why should an additional burden of a fare hike be placed on them at this time?' Sarnaik said.

Who Benefits and Why MSRTC's 'Laalpari' Matters

The MSRTC's iconic red buses — popularly known as 'Laalpari' — are the primary mode of transport for rural Maharashtra, serving farmers, daily wagers, students, office workers, and senior citizens across districts with limited connectivity. For many, these buses are not a convenience but a necessity. A fare hike during Diwali — when families travel long distances to reunite — would have disproportionately impacted lower-income travellers.

'A festive price hike would have added heavily to the daily expenses of commuters already grappling with high living costs. The state government is sensitive. In times of crisis, it will not leave farmers and the general public high and dry,' the Minister said.

MSRTC's Financial Pressures Remain Unresolved

The decision to roll back the fare hike does not erase the corporation's underlying financial difficulties. The MSRTC had already implemented a 13.56 per cent fare hike in July 2026 to address rising operational expenses. A proposed 30 per cent additional surcharge during the Ganeshotsav festival earlier this year was also withdrawn following strong opposition from commuters, particularly those from the Konkan region.

Minister Sarnaik acknowledged MSRTC must find alternative solutions to its financial deficit. 'Alternative measures must be found to overcome the financial difficulties of the State Transport Corporation. Providing safe, reliable, and affordable transport services from remote villages to cities is the fundamental duty of the corporation. Therefore, instead of placing the burden of financial losses directly on the passengers, there is a need to find solutions through other means,' he said.

What the Minister Said About Priorities

'During times of crisis, wiping tears from the eyes of the people is far more important than reaching into their pockets. We will find alternative ways to overcome the financial troubles of the State Transport Corporation; however, we will not forget our duty to provide relief to the people in distress,' Sarnaik said.

He emphasised that while financial logistics are important, it is equally necessary to consider the day-to-day survival struggles of the public.

What Happens Next

With the hike scrapped, passengers travelling home for Diwali this year will pay standard fares. However, the MSRTC's longer-term financial sustainability remains an open question — the corporation will need to identify credible alternatives to seasonal surcharges to cover operational costs without repeatedly burdening riders. How it balances fiscal viability with public welfare in the months ahead will be closely watched.