Tamil Nadu Transport Department Cracks Down on Overcharging Amid Festival Travel Surge
The Tamil Nadu Transport Department inspected 4,233 buses, issuing fines for violations during the busy festival travel season.
Chennai, October 19 (Daily Kiran) : The Tamil Nadu Transport Department has launched a statewide inspection campaign in response to complaints of excessive fare charges during the Ayudha Puja and Vijayadashami holidays. This initiative led to the identification of 778 Omni buses violating regulations, resulting in electronic fines being issued.
Between October 15 and 17, officials inspected a total of 4,233 Omni buses across the state. The crackdown comes as heavy travel occurs during the festive season, with many passengers heading from Chennai to their hometowns and various destinations within Tamil Nadu.
The increase in travelers during this holiday period has heightened demand for transport services connecting the capital to other regions. For families celebrating the festivals, securing seats during this busy time is a significant concern. In addition to government buses and trains, Omni buses play a crucial role in the seasonal transport network.
Transport Minister Vijay Tamilan Parthipan directed the enforcement campaign after receiving multiple complaints about inflated fares from certain Omni bus operators. Teams of regional transport officials and motor vehicle inspectors conducted thorough inspections throughout Tamil Nadu. Whenever violations were detected, inspection reports were compiled, and e-challans were issued, along with appropriate actions initiated against offenders.
However, the department did not provide detailed information regarding the specific violations, nor did it disclose how many of the 778 buses faced penalties for overcharging. Furthermore, it remains unclear whether passengers who raised fare complaints received refunds.
Statistics reveal that over 18% of the inspected buses were found to be in violation of regulations during the three-day period. The department stated that these inspections were a response to complaints received during the festive season.
As the travel rush continues, this enforcement campaign has raised questions about the operations of private bus services, which many passengers rely on to complete their journeys and celebrate the festivals with their families across Tamil Nadu.
