Gujarat : Luxury Bus Owners Reduce 20% Diwali Fares Amidst Minister’s Caution

Surat : In response to Gujarat Minister of Transport Harsh Sanghavi’s warning against imposing exorbitant tariffs during the Diwali vacation, the Gujarat Tourist Vehicle Management Association (GTVMA) has announced reduced bus fares for passengers traveling from Surat to Saurashtra and North Gujarat. The decision comes following a stern statement from the minister, cautioning private luxury bus owners against overcharging passengers during the festive season.

According to Kiran Modia, President of GTVMA, and Nandlal Kabra, Vice President, the luxury buses will now charge passengers traveling from Surat fares ranging from Rs 1,100 to Rs 1,200. This pricing strategy signifies a 20% reduction compared to the previous year, aimed at accommodating the needs of the passengers during the Diwali period.

The move comes as tens of thousands of diamond workers begin their migration from Surat to Saurashtra and North Gujarat, with factories in Surat shutting down for the Diwali festival. With State Transport buses experiencing heavy congestion, many diamond workers opt for private luxury buses to travel back to their hometowns during the festive period.

Kiran Modi, the president of GTVMA, condemned the remarks made by a private bus owner in Surat against Minister Harsh Sanghavi. Modi emphasized that the private passenger vehicle owners have no association with the individual’s reaction and stand in solidarity with the government’s directive. He reaffirmed the reduction in bus fares from Surat to various districts, particularly Saurashtra, compared to the previous year. Additionally, Modi expressed the association’s willingness to comply if the government suggests fixing prices.

The price reduction, according to Modi, represents a substantial shift from last year. For instance, the fare from Surat to Amreli or Savarkundla ranged from Rs 1400 to Rs 1500 in the previous year, whereas this year, it has been slashed to Rs 1100 to Rs 1200, marking a 20% decrease across all travel routes.