Surat–Rajasthan Bus Services Hit as 300 Luxury Coaches Go on Strike

Surat | Gujarat — In a major travel disruption affecting thousands of passengers, more than 300 luxury buses operating between Surat and various cities in Rajasthan have come to a grinding halt after operators announced an indefinite strike. The protest, led by Surat-based travel operators, is against alleged harassment and heavy penalties imposed by Rajasthan’s transport authorities.

Hundreds of buses now stand parked at the open ground opposite the Surat APMC market, turning the site into a silent symbol of protest. Operators have made it clear: not a single bus will roll towards Rajasthan until their grievances are addressed.

According to the operators, the confrontation stems from repeated checks and what they describe as “targeted action” by the Rajasthan Transport Department as soon as buses cross the Gujarat border. They allege that fines as high as ₹1 lakh are being levied for minor technical or documentation issues.

“We are being singled out the moment we enter Rajasthan. Even after complying with every rule, we are penalised heavily,” said Harisingh Rajput of Shri Shivnathji Travelers. “We removed carriers, ensured emergency exits were functional, installed hammers to break glass, placed fire extinguishers — we have followed every instruction. Yet the harassment continues.”

Operators claim that the financial burden has become unbearable. With rising diesel prices, increasing maintenance costs and road taxes, they argue that paying lakhs in penalties pushes them to the brink. “We pay double taxes and road tax. The cost of running these buses has skyrocketed. Still, we are forced to pay unreasonable fines,” Rajput added.

The strike has left lakhs of Rajasthani families residing in Surat in distress. Private luxury buses are a primary mode of travel for those commuting to their hometowns in Rajasthan. With railway waiting lists already long and tickets unavailable at short notice, passengers now find themselves stranded with no clear alternative.

Travel operators have accused the authorities of disproportionately targeting Gujarat-registered vehicles. “Why only buses from Gujarat? Why not others?” questioned another operator, demanding intervention from both state governments.

Industry leaders say the strike will continue indefinitely unless the Rajasthan government provides written assurance that alleged harassment and excessive fines will stop. The protest has received unified backing from all major travel operators in Surat, effectively suspending the entire private luxury bus network to Rajasthan.

Transport experts warn that if the deadlock persists, it could escalate into a larger inter-state transport dispute, affecting trade and passenger mobility between Gujarat and Rajasthan.