Pune: The transport department has fined 69 private bus operators for overcharging passengers during the Diwali season.

State Transport Commissioner Dr Avinash Dhakane had issued orders to all Regional Transport Offices (RTO) in the state regarding taking action against such private bus operators who were found violating rules.

As a part of this initiative, a total of 2,195 buses were inspected by the RTO officials. Of these, 375 buses were found plying in violation of the norms prescribed by the transport department.

Senior transport department officials said, about 69 private bus operators were fined for overcharging passengers during the Diwali season. 13 buses were found to be illegally modified by their owners and 5 buses had illegally increased sleeper coaches. A total of Rs 5.69 lakh fine has been collected from these violators.

It is observed that usually during the festive seasons like Diwali, private bus operators indulge in unfair practices like overpricing of fares and unsafe passenger travel. This year due to the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions most people were travelling after six to seven months and hence there was a huge demand for private buses.

Considering this scenario, the transport department had initiated action against such private bus operators who were involved in these unfair practices and harassing passengers.