Onam travel nightmare: Inter-state bus fares soar by 300%

MALAPPURAM: Private interstate bus operators have hiked their fares to almost three times the normal rates ahead of the Onam festival. Between September 2 and 4, routes from Bengaluru and Chennai to Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Kozhikode have experienced a steep increase in ticket prices. The surge in demand is also fueled by sold-out KSRTC and train services.

For example, Bengaluru to Thiruvananthapuram AC sleeper tickets now cost Rs 3,300–4,500, up from the usual Rs 1,400–1,950. AC semi-sleeper tickets that were Rs 900–1,000 are now priced around Rs 2,000. KSRTC has also raised fares under the flexi fare system. On the Bengaluru–Ernakulam route, AC multi-axle buses now charge Rs 1,770 instead of Rs 1,380, while super deluxe Airbus tickets have risen from Rs 800–950 to Rs 1,380.

Train tickets also sold out
Even though KSRTC is running 22 additional services from September 1 to 15 between Bengaluru, Mysuru, Chennai, and Kerala, tickets are still unavailable due to the Onam rush. Special trains from Bengaluru, Chennai, and Mangalapuzha are also sold out. Higher-priced tatkal tickets are available.

Private bus fare list for September 3

Bengaluru – Thiruvananthapuram

• AC Sleeper: Rs 3,300–4,500 (Normal: Rs 1,400–1,950)
• Non-AC Sleeper: Rs 1,900–2,000 (Normal: Rs 900–1,000)

Bengaluru – Kochi

• AC Sleeper: Rs 3,200–3,600 (Normal: Rs 1,300–1,600)
• Non-AC Sleeper: Rs 1,800–2,000 (Normal: Rs 800–1,000)

Bengaluru – Kozhikode

• AC Sleeper: Rs 2,000–2,300 (Normal: Rs 900–1,100)
• Non-AC Sleeper: Rs 1,700–1,800 (Normal: Rs 700–800)

Chennai – Thiruvananthapuram

• AC Sleeper: Rs 3,300–4,000 (Normal: Rs 1,700–1,900)
• Non-AC Sleeper: Rs 1,700 (Normal: Rs 1,100)

Chennai – Kochi

• AC Sleeper: Rs 3,000–3,700 (Normal: Rs 1,600–1,800)
• Non-AC Sleeper: Rs 1,900–2,000 (Normal: Rs 950)