Surat – Travelers planning to visit Rajasthan from Surat during the festive season of Holi and Dhuleti are facing significant difficulties following an indefinite strike announced by private luxury bus operators. The operators have halted services in protest against alleged harassment and the imposition of heavy fines at the Rajasthan border, resulting in the suspension of operations for over 300 buses plying to various cities in the neighboring state.
The operators have alleged that RTO officials are conducting intensive checks immediately upon the buses entering the Rajasthan border. They claim that fines amounting to up to one lakh rupees are being levied for minor technical issues on individual buses. As per agency report, the bus owners have asserted that vehicles bearing Gujarat registration numbers are being specifically targeted during these inspections.
In support of the strike, major travel operators in Surat have cancelled all their Rajasthan routes. Hundreds of luxury buses are currently seen parked in the open grounds opposite the Surat APMC market. The operators have stated unequivocally that no bus will depart for Rajasthan until the state government and the transport department provide a written assurance regarding the resolution of these issues.
Regarding the regulatory challenges, it was noted that the buses were constructed according to rules passed by the government years ago. However, with new regulations set to be implemented in 2026, registration and fitness processes have reportedly hit a bottleneck. It was highlighted that while many new buses are ready, their registration is pending, forcing owners to pay bank installments without generating revenue. Furthermore, allegations were raised that in some instances, seized buses are not being released despite court orders. Operators have warned of intensifying their agitation, including potential road blockades, if the problem is not resolved.
The sudden suspension of services has severely affected the large population of Rajasthan-origin families residing in Surat who rely on private buses to visit their hometowns for festivals and family events. With long waiting lists in the railways, alternative travel options remain limited. A passenger from Jodhpur stated that bus services are the primary mode of transport for the Marwar region, including districts like Jodhpur, Barmer, Pali, and Jalor, and the strike has created a crisis for those wishing to return home or come back to Surat. Currently, there is a possibility of talks between the transport departments of both states, with passengers and operators looking towards an administrative solution to normalize travel during the festive season.
