Seeking help from 'Lalpari' amid drought and inflation! Pratap Sarnaik’s decision to halt a 15% rent hike on Diwali.

Mumbai, (City News Mumbai Anant Nalavde)

The economic condition of farmers in Maharashtra is being affected by drought, and inflation is increasing pressure on the household budgets of ordinary people. In this context, the Transport Minister and Chairman of ST Mahamandal, Pratap Sarnaik, rejected a proposed 15‑percent increase in bus fares for Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (ST Mahamandal) buses during Diwali. The increase had been proposed to be implemented between 1 and 15 November 2026.

Considering the rising number of passengers during Diwali, the ST administration had proposed a seasonal fare hike. However, Sarnaik chose to explore alternative options rather than burdening ordinary passengers who are already facing economic hardships. The focus will also be on measures to reduce the financial deficit of ST Mahamandal.

### Proposal to Increase Fare During Diwali Rejected by Minister

It has been a tradition to impose a seasonal fare increase on ST buses during Diwali due to the surge in passenger numbers. Accordingly, this year the ST administration had proposed a one‑time 15‑percent hike in passenger fares between 1 and 15 November.

But Pratap Sarnaik rejected this proposal. He argued that it would be inappropriate to impose additional financial burden on the general public during an economic crisis.

This decision is expected to provide relief to passengers traveling during Diwali from the proposed extra fare.

### Rural Maharashtra’s Lifeline is ‘Lalpari’

The ST bus service in Maharashtra, commonly known as ‘Lalpari’, is not merely a means of transport in rural areas; it is a vital conduit for accessing education, employment, markets, and health services.

Farmers, farm labourers, students, salaried workers, senior citizens, and daily wage earners largely depend on ST buses.

When drought affects the income of farmers and rural families, an increase in travel costs can directly impact their monthly budgets. Workers, students, and other passengers traveling to villages during Diwali could have faced the proposed hike.

Thus, the decision to halt the fare increase is seen as economic relief for passengers.

### Reducing ST’s Financial Deficit Is a Major Challenge

The financial problems of ST Mahamandal cannot be ignored. Fuel prices, employee salaries, bus maintenance and repairs, and operating costs pose significant challenges to the corporation.

In such a situation, it is essential to consider options such as increasing revenue, better managing expenses, controlling unnecessary costs, and securing necessary financial assistance from the government, rather than merely raising fares.

Sarnaik has prioritized passengers’ interests by rejecting the fare hike proposal. However, a concrete action plan is still required to bring lasting improvement to ST Mahamandal’s financial condition. Otherwise, the relief gained by stopping the fare increase may prove temporary, and the issue of economic pressure may resurface.

### The Political Message of the Decision Is Also Important

The decision to stop the fare increase amid drought, inflation, and rising household expenses can send a message of the government’s priorities concerning public interest. It is particularly significant for passengers in rural areas, farmer families, and people who depend on ST buses.

Nevertheless, the real impact of this decision will not be limited to canceling the fare hike. Making ST bus services more efficient, punctual, and reliable will be equally important.

Stopping the fare increase on Diwali provides relief to passengers, but the transport department faces a major challenge in strengthening ST Mahamandal financially while ensuring that the general public does not bear additional burdens.