# Tamil Nadu private buses to strike Sept 29 over fare hike, free travel scheme 2026-09-29T04:46:13+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Chennai: Private bus operators across Tamil Nadu, except those in Chennai, Madurai, Nagercoil and Udhagamandalam, will observe a 24-hour token strike from midnight on September 29. The Federation of Bus Operators Association of Tamil Nadu is demanding a passenger fare revision and opposing the expansion of the state government's free travel scheme for women, set for October 2. The federation says about 7,000 private buses operate in the state and the sector is running at a 65 per cent loss. Diesel now costs over ₹100 a litre, versus ₹64 when fares were last revised in 2018. Federation President Thangaraj said the sector will become unviable without a fare revision. The Madras High Court in March 2023 directed the government to seek views on a fare revision, but operators say no action followed. They argue the expanded free travel scheme will worsen losses because private operators get no subsidy, unlike state transport undertakings. The strike runs from midnight on September 29 to midnight on September 30. ## Indian Opinion Analysis The last fare revision in Tamil Nadu came in 2018, when diesel was half its current price. The Madras High Court ordered the state to consult on a revision in March 2023, but the government has not moved. Private operators are now trying direct pressure. The state's free bus travel scheme for women, currently run by state-owned corporations, already costs the exchequer an estimated ₹1,700 crore annually. Extending that subsidy to 7,000 private buses would be a significant new fiscal commitment. The government must decide by October 2 whether it will amend the scheme or face a wider shutdown. ## Coverage - hindustantimes.com Tags: Chennai, Madras High Court, Tamil Nadu, Thangaraj Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/tamil-nadu-private-buses-to-strike-sept-29-over-fare-hike-free-travel-scheme/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/tamil-nadu-private-buses-to-strike-sept-29-over-fare-hike-free-travel-scheme/#story-in-brief