Bus services between Maharashtra and Karnataka have been suspended following fresh tensions surrounding the ongoing Marathi-Kannada language dispute. This suspension has caused a ripple effect, with multiple reports indicating a sharp surge in air fares between Mumbai and Bengaluru. The escalating tensions have further strained travel links between the two states, leaving commuters with fewer travel options.
Surge in airfares following suspension of bus services
The suspension of bus services between Maharashtra and Karnataka has caused a sharp spike in airfares, with ticket prices between Mumbai and Bengaluru soaring. On Sunday, Indigo’s evening flight reached ₹17,500, Akasa Air’s late-night flight was priced at ₹12,000, and Air India’s 9:30 pm flight reached ₹30,000. Flights from Bengaluru to Mumbai were priced between ₹ 10,000 and ₹ 23,000. To put this into perspective, fares for flights on February 24 are three times higher than the usual.
Private & state bus services halted
Nearly all major operators, including Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) and Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), have halted services, citing safety concerns for both passengers and staff.
As per reports, MSRTC runs 250 services daily to Karnataka, while KSRTC operates 120 buses each day from Belgavi to various parts of Maharashtra. On top of this, private operators contribute an additional 500 daily services, which are now also grounded. The disruption has impacted routes connecting Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Dharashiv, Sangli, Solapur, Kolhapur, Sawantwadi, Belgavi, Mysuru, Bengaluru, Bijapur, and Niphani.
