Bengaluru, Nov. 7 -- Diwali travel has turned into an expensive affair for thousands of people leaving Bengaluru for their hometowns, with private bus operators sharply increasing ticket prices.

Fares on several popular routes have risen two to three times, and in some cases substantially more, compared with regular days.

Amid growing passenger demand, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has announced 2,600 additional buses to facilitate festival travel.

The Kempegowda Bus Station at Majestic witnessed a heavy rush on Friday, November 6, as people began travelling to their native places ahead of the festival, which begins on Sunday, November 8.

KSRTC Chief Traffic Manager Prabhakar Reddy said additional buses had be...