India, Oct. 2 -- In a relief for lakhs of passengers across Maharashtra, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has rolled back its earlier decision to increase ticket fares by 10% for the upcoming Diwali festive season. The decision, which was announced on September 30 was reversed a day after on October 1 after deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde directed the transport department to cancel the hike in view of the severe flood situation caused by the retreating monsoon across the state.

The MSRTC had initially announced a 10% seasonal fare hike for all bus services - ordinary, semi-luxury (Hirakani), sleeper, air-conditioned Shivshahi and Jan Shivneri - from October 15 to November 5. The move was in line with the long-...