Bus operators hike rates as crowds leaving Mumbai swell

Railway officials said annual vacation, curbs in Mumbai, UP panchayat polls are key reasons for exodus

The lockdown-like measures under the government’s ‘Break the Chain’ move have begun pulling down the footfall on the city’s public transport systems. While the ridership of local trains dropped by 2 lakh on Thursday, it was 4 lakh for the BEST. 

Transport authorities are under pressure as a large number of people have begun leaving the city, giving a chance to private bus operators to jack up rates. While railway officials said they usually run summer specials every year and the rise in the services is an annual practice, they have urged the masses to avoid rumours and not panic.

“There are four to five key reasons that the crowds have increased suddenly to go to northern states as per our ground assessment. These include fear of a complete lockdown, summer vacation, school closure, job losses and the UP panchayat and West Bengal polls. As of now, only reserved trains are being arranged,” an official said.

Bus operators said there has been a surge in the demand to states like Rajasthan and Gujarat too.

“Crowds have been coming, but there are practical issues like there is no entry in Gujarat and Rajasthan without COVID tests. Hence, we are taking only those with negative reports so that they do not face any difficulties at the destination,” said Rakesh Hiremanth of Pushpaa Travels & Co at Mumbai Central.

A certain Raman bhai at the Borivli travel bus stop near SGNP entrance, where buses starting from Mumbai Central halt, said there is a different pattern to this year’s exodus. “Unlike last time, they seem to be going away temporarily. There are sixteen buses that go to Gujarat and Rajasthan from here,” he said.

Kandivli resident Madan Pahwa, who was at the bus stop, said, “Operators have abruptly hiked the ticket prices to exploit the situation. There are no restrictions on transport this time, but we have to spend on the COVID test. Now, the increased bus fare is adding to it,” he said.

Passengers said the Mumbai-Ahmedabad ticket that earlier cost around Rs 500 has gone beyond Rs 800. Similarly, Mumbai to Kota fare was between Rs 1200 and Rs 1500, but has now been raised to over Rs 2,000.

Another passenger, Ramadev Gothariya, said his family chose to travel by bus after they could not get confirmed train tickets. “We thought buses would be safer. We are on our way to our native village Bavala in Ahmedabad district.”

When asked about special trains, a Central Railway spokesperson said “Announcement of additional trains, if any, to certain places is only an extension of the ongoing gradual restoration of train services. We have appealed to everyone that any speculation about the reasons or panic booking of trains may please be avoided in such challenging circumstances. Railways runs more trains in summer for the convenience of passengers.”

Tickets costlier

Mumbai-Ahmedabad ticket that earlier cost around Rs 500 has gone beyond Rs 800

Similarly, Mumbai to Kota fare was between Rs 1200 and Rs 1,500, but has now been raised to over Rs 2,000

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