Chennai, Sept 30:
Omni bus fares to several destinations in Tamil Nadu have surged ahead of the Ayudha Puja and Vijayadashami holidays, with tickets to some southern districts crossing Rs 3,000.
Ayudha Puja falls on October 19 and Vijayadashami on October 20, giving people a four-day holiday including the weekend. With many planning to travel on October 16 and 17, demand for omni buses has increased.
Tickets to Kodaikanal are reportedly priced up to Rs 4,999 and Ooty at Rs 3,500, while fares to Nagercoil, Kanniyakumari, Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi have crossed Rs 3,000. Fares to Madurai, Tiruchy, Coimbatore, Tirupur, Kovilpatti and Virudhunagar have also risen to around Rs 3,000.
For return journeys on October 20 and 21, fares on some southern routes that normally cost Rs 1,200-1,500 have reportedly crossed Rs 3,500. Omni Bus Owners Association state president Anbazhagan said maximum fares were fixed and announced in 2024 and urged action against operators charging above the prescribed rates.