Assam CM declares hike in bus fares shall not be allowed

GUWAHATI: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today categorically stated that the inter-district bus fares shall not be hiked despite protestations from bus owners' associations.

"Minister Patowary has clarified that the rise in fares is out of the question amid the COVID-19 pandemic situation," Biswa Sarma said on the sidelines of a programme here.

Transport Minister Chandramohan Patowary on Thursday said inter-district bus fares will not be allowed to increase from September 1, as decided by All Assam Motor Transport Association (Aamta).

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The Aamta, on the other hand, has been pushing for a hike in the fares, as buses could not ply for several months after inter-district travel was cancelled.

Assam CM Sarma said that since the public's finances have already been hit by the pandemic, they are unlikely to take kindly to surcharges in such an atmosphere.

"Therefore, we should behave as per the society's demands, and eventually, the government will hold dialogues with all stakeholders," Assam CM Biswa Sarma added.

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