Holiday Rush Pushes Up Air and Omni Bus Fares in Chennai
Due to the Christmas and New Year celebrations and extended holidays for schools and colleges, residents of Chennai and its suburbs have begun travelling to their hometowns in large numbers. This has resulted in a sharp increase in passenger traffic at Chennai Airport.
With all direct flight tickets from Chennai to destinations such as Thoothukudi, Madurai, Trichy, Salem, Coimbatore, and Thiruvananthapuram sold out, passengers are being forced to travel via connecting flights through Bengaluru. This has led to a steep rise in airfares.
Normally, the Chennai–Thoothukudi fare is around ₹4,100, but via Bengaluru it now costs ₹13,400. The Chennai - Madurai fare, usually ₹4,248, has surged to ₹13,160. Chennai - Trichy fares have risen from ₹4,121 to ₹13,842, while Chennai - Salem fares have jumped from ₹3,093 to ₹8,688. The Chennai - Coimbatore fare, usually ₹4,147, has increased to ₹8,448. Similarly, the Chennai–Thiruvananthapuram fare has surged from ₹5,173 to ₹17,331 due to the detour.
Omni bus fares have also increased two to three times compared to normal rates. On regular days, fares from Chennai to cities such as Nellai, Nagercoil, and Coimbatore range between ₹1,000 and ₹1,500, but current fares are significantly higher.
While the maximum permitted fare for air-conditioned sleeper buses from Chennai to Coimbatore is ₹2,400, fares of up to ₹3,000 are being charged. For Nellai, where the maximum fare is ₹2,700, passengers are being charged between ₹3,200 and ₹3,800. For Madurai, fares have risen from the permitted ₹2,200 to ₹2,600–₹3,200, and for Trichy, fares have increased from the capped ₹1,500 to ₹2,000–₹3,200.
Transport department officials have warned that action will be taken if complaints are received regarding excessive fares. Officials stated that inspections will be carried out on omni buses, and if overcharging is confirmed, fines will be imposed and the excess amount will be refunded to passengers.
