Maharashtra Transport Minister and Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) Chairman Pratap Sarnaik has rejected a proposal to increase state transport bus fares by 15 per cent during the Diwali festive season, citing the financial difficulties faced by people amid drought conditions and rising inflation.

The MSRTC administration had proposed a uniform 15 per cent fare increase for the period from November 1 to 15, 2026, to manage the corporation's financial challenges during the festive rush. However, Sarnaik declined to approve the proposal, maintaining that passengers should not face an additional financial burden during an already difficult economic period.