MALAPPURAM: Private interstate buses have doubled their fares taking advantage of the ticketless situation on trains from Bangalore to Kerala due to the Vishu-Easter rush. Since April 14 is the Ambedkar Jayanti holiday, most people are trying to return home on the 13th. Ticket prices are highest on this day.

Ticket prices on Kozhikode, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram routes are double or more. The fare will increase again at the time of bus departure.

Example: One has to pay Rs 2,000 for Bangalore - Kozhikode AC sleeper. Usually, the fare is Rs.1,000. The fare for AC semi sleeper has increased from Rs 800 to Rs 1,600. The fare for AC sleeper to Thiruvananthapuram has been increased from Rs 1700 to Rs 3650.

Although KSRTC and Karnataka RTC are running more services, tickets are not available on the 13th. Only tatkal is left in KSRTC. KSRTC operates 41 services, including special services, and Karnataka operates 32 services.

Route, current rate, normal rate

Bangalore - Kochi

AC Sleeper - 3,650-3,900-1,290-1,350

AC Semi Sleeper - 2,700- 3,360 - 1,000 - 1,200

Bangalore-Thiruvananthapuram

AC Sleeper - 3,650 - 3,950 - 1,600 - 1, 700

AC Semi Sleeper- 2,350 - 2,700 - 1,300 - 1,400

KSRTC

Bangalore-Thiruvananthapuram

AC multi-axle: 1,463 -1,519

Super Express: 962

Swift AC Sleeper: 1,727 - 2,156

Bangalore-Kozhikode

AC multi-axle: 724

Super Express: 452-500

Super Deluxe: 553

Bangalore - Kochi

AC multi-axle: 1,106-1,134

Super Express: 702

Super Deluxe: 884

Swift AC Sleeper: 1,551

Karnataka RTC

Bangalore-Kozhikode

AC Sleeper: 1,195

Airavat: 891- 1,130

Rajahamsa: 851

Bangalore- Kochi

AC Sleeper: 1,674- 2,200

Airavat: 1,393-1,636

Rajahamsa: 851

Bangalore - Thiruvananthapuram

Airavat- 1,582-1,882