India, Nov. 2 -- The Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) has intensified its crackdown on private travel operators charging passengers exorbitant fares during the Diwali festive season. The RTO's flying squads have inspected around 250 private buses over the past few days, and initiated punitive action against 20 operators found violating the prescribed fare regulations. The special enforcement drive, which began on October 23, will continue till November 20 in response to a growing number of complaints from passengers about arbitrary fare hikes by private bus operators.

As per the existing regulations, private contract carriage buses are allowed to charge a maximum of 50% more than the corresponding ticket fares of the Maharashtra Stat...