India, Oct. 16 -- Maharashtra transport minister and Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) chairman Pratap Sarnaik on Thursday rejected a proposal to increase ST bus fares by 15% during the Diwali festive rush from November 1 to 15, citing the drought situation, rising inflation and the financial difficulties faced by ordinary citizens.

The MSRTC administration had proposed a uniform seasonal fare hike for the 15 days, when passenger traffic typically increases due to festive travel. However, Sarnaik said the corporation would not impose an additional financial burden on passengers already struggling with rising living costs and the impact of drought.

"Even if the ST is incurring losses, we will not put an additional burd...