Bus strike threat triggers ticket cancellations, fare surge:Passengers allege profiteering; online bookings cancelled; fares rise up to 5 times

Sudden cancellation of online bus tickets and a sharp rise in fares ahead of the proposed bus operators’ strike in Madhya Pradesh have left hundreds of passengers stranded and angry. Many travellers were forced to pay double or triple the usual fare, while others cancelled their journeys altogether. Siddheshwar Karrahe, a resident of Bhopal, said he had booked bus tickets to Varanasi online five to six days ago. “At that time, the fare was around ₹2,000. But this morning, I received a message that my ticket was cancelled. When I checked again, the fare had doubled,” he said. Several passengers reported similar problems, especially those planning travel ahead of Holi. While some paid the higher fares due to urgency, others postponed their trips. Online tickets cancelled before strike announcement Private bus operators across Madhya Pradesh had warned of an indefinite strike from March 2 to protest against the state government’s new transport policy. However, passengers said online bookings were cancelled nearly two days before the strike date, and fares increased sharply even before any actual disruption. At the ISBT bus stand in Bhopal, Vinay Pandey said he was unsure how to travel home to Rewa for Holi. “Train tickets are in waiting, and now bus tickets are also uncertain. Earlier fares were affordable, but now they have doubled,” he said. Passengers said the sudden cancellations and fare hikes created panic, as many had no alternative travel options. Bus fares rise to flight-level prices Ticket prices on several routes increased significantly over the past few days. For example: Passengers said the fares were comparable to airline tickets. This is not the first time such fare hikes have been reported. During Diwali last year, some operators stopped services citing operational issues, and passengers were charged up to ₹4,000–₹5,000 instead of the usual ₹800–₹900. Many passengers and transport observers alleged that strike warnings were used as a pressure tactic to increase fares and earn higher profits. Strike postponed after talks with government After late-night discussions on Saturday, bus operators postponed the planned March 2 strike following an agreement with the Chief Minister and the state administration on some of their demands. Despite the strike being postponed, passengers said they had already suffered due to cancellations and fare increases. What the new transport policy proposes The Madhya Pradesh government’s new transport policy aims to make public transport more organised, affordable and technology-driven. Under the proposed ‘Chief Minister’s Convenient Public Transport Service’, the government plans to improve connectivity in rural and urban areas and ensure safe, regular and timely bus services. Initial capital investment of ₹101.20 crore Key features include: Operators fear loss of control and profits Private bus operators are opposing the policy, saying it may reduce their operational freedom. They fear route allocations and contract-based operations will limit their independence. Operators also expressed concern that government-backed or large private companies may dominate the sector, affecting smaller operators’ livelihoods. Authorities warn of action against violations Shyam Sundar Sharma, chairman of the Passenger Service Council, said bus operators cannot disrupt services arbitrarily. He warned that strikes affecting public transport could violate licence conditions. He said the transport department has the authority to impose fines, penalties, or cancel permits if operators violate rules. Passengers demand regulation Passengers and experts have called for stricter regulation of private bus operators and better protection for travellers. Many said sudden cancellations and fare hikes cause financial losses and inconvenience, especially during festivals. With the strike now postponed, passengers hope fares will return to normal and services will stabilise in the coming days.