Holi rush triggers fare surge in MP:Bhopal–Lucknow bus tickets soar to Rs 8,899 despite CM’s warning

With heavy passenger movement during the Holi festival in Madhya Pradesh, private bus operators are allegedly charging inflated fares. Travellers trying to return home are facing steep ticket prices, especially on long-distance routes. On online booking platforms, fares from Bhopal to Lucknow have climbed as high as Rs 8,899 — several times higher than normal days. Fares up to 4 times higher Under usual circumstances, tickets from Bhopal to Satna cost between Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,200. However, on the Red Bus app, fares are currently showing up to Rs 4,500 — nearly four times the regular rate. Similarly, Sunil Tour and Travels is charging up to Rs 6,000 for Bhopal–Rewa. Dev High Speed Travels has listed fares up to Rs 4,500, while Anjuman Travels is charging up to Rs 5,000. On regular days, the same routes cost between Rs 900 and Rs 1,200. For Bhopal–Mumbai, Ratan Tour and Travels is quoting fares up to Rs 6,006, compared to the usual Rs 1,400–1,700 range. On the Bhopal–Lucknow route, Betwanti Travels has raised ticket prices to Rs 8,899, against the standard Rs 1,400–1,800 fare. Transport department has limited control The Transport Department has clarified that it does not directly regulate fares displayed on online booking apps. Ticket prices are set by individual bus operators, while apps simply reflect those rates. As demand rises during festivals, fares often increase sharply. Bhopal RTO Jitendra Sharma stated that passengers facing overcharging can lodge complaints directly with the department. Bus owners’ association responds Jai Kumar Jain, General Secretary of the Madhya Pradesh Bus Owners Association, said stage carriage buses are not involved in fare irregularities. According to him, vehicles operating under All India Tourist Permits — allegedly being used illegally as stage carriages — are responsible for charging inflated fares, and there is limited control over such vehicles. Chief Minister issues warning Notably, just a day earlier, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav instructed Superintendents of Police and IGs via video conferencing to curb illegal fare collection during the festive rush. He directed officials to act strictly against overcharging and ensure special sensitivity during festival travel.