Diwali Overcharging: 21 Private Buses Penalised by Pune RTO, Fine Worth Rs 7 Lakh Recovered
Pune, 7th November 2026: The Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) has initiated action against private bus operators for charging passengers fares higher than the government-prescribed rates during the Diwali holiday rush. A total of 21 private travel operators have been penalised, with fines amounting to Rs 7.04 lakh imposed for overcharging passengers.
The action is part of a special inspection drive launched by the Pune RTO on November 1 following complaints that private bus operators were exploiting the increased demand for travel during the Diwali holidays to charge exorbitant fares.
Passenger traffic from Pune to Marathwada, Vidarbha, Khandesh and western Maharashtra increases significantly during the festive period. Taking advantage of the rush, some private bus operators allegedly hike ticket prices arbitrarily, resulting in financial hardship for passengers.
As part of the ongoing drive, the RTO has inspected 309 private passenger vehicles since November 1, of which 65 were found violating various transport regulations. Action was taken against 14 vehicles for charging fares above the prescribed limits, and fines totalling Rs 7.04 lakh were recovered, officials said.
Earlier, during September and October 2026, the RTO had inspected 929 private passenger vehicles, of which 315 were found violating rules. Seven vehicles were penalised for overcharging passengers during this period, while a total fine of Rs 25.82 lakh was imposed for various violations.
The RTO has appealed to passengers to report instances of private bus operators charging fares beyond the government-prescribed limits. Complaints can be sent to the WhatsApp number 8275330101, along with the passenger’s name, mobile number and a photograph of the ticket as evidence.
Deputy Regional Transport Officer Swapnil Bhosale has directed private bus owners and drivers to keep their vehicle documents valid, charge fares strictly within the prescribed limits and cooperate with the inspection drive.
