Anbumani Urges T.N. Govt. to Block Fare Hike by Private Bus Operators

Speedy Summary:

• PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss opposes the Tamil Nadu government’s approval of fare hikes for private bus operators.
• He highlights that the Madras High Court had ruled multiple times against overcharging by private bus operators and directed the government to fix fare rates.
• Dr. Ramadoss criticized yearly fare increases tied to inflation, comparing them to annual electricity tariff hikes in July.
• He alleged that such decisions allow both government and private players to exploit citizens, questioning if public interests are being prioritized.
• The High Court’s January 23 judgment did not mandate a fare hike but suggested that a high-level committee address the issue in consultation with stakeholders.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The concerns raised by Dr. Ramadoss reflect broader issues about clarity and fairness in policy implementation regarding pricing for essential services like transportation. While inflation-based adjustments may be economically justified, they can disproportionately impact low-income groups who rely on these buses for commuting. Clear interaction from authorities about how rates are determined could mitigate criticism and enhance trust among citizens. Additionally, setting controlling mechanisms to prevent possible exploitation by private operators aligns with accountability expectations laid down by judiciary directives. As public transport remains critical infrastructure, Tamil Nadu’s approach may have long-term implications on affordability and equitable access.

Read More: Published – August 04, 2025 11:40 pm IST