As Diwali festivities approach, travelers in Surat are contending with a sudden surge in private bus fares, causing a stir in the transportation sector. The price increase has defied the directives of Transport Minister Harsh Sanghvi, prompting a clash of words between the minister and the President of the Surat Luxury Association, Dinesh Anghan. Surat, a city known for its bustling diamond business, witnesses a mass exodus of people traveling back to their hometowns during the Diwali holiday season, particularly those connected to the precious gem trade in Saurashtra. With the upcoming diamond vacation scheduled to begin on November 9 in Surat, private bus operators have chosen to pre-emptively raise fares for routes leading to Saurashtra, much to the dismay of passengers. Instead of the usual Rs. 700 fare, passengers are now being charged a staggering Rs. 1400 for their journey. Harsh Sanghvi, the Transport Minister, had earlier issued instructions for these fare hikes, considering

Author-Dr.Aishwarya Nair