The Coonoor Consumer Protection Association has asked for clarification from the State government as to whether free bus travel for women would be applicable in the Nilgiris.
S. Manogaran, president of the Coonoor Consumer Protection Association said out of 367 buses in the district, only 167 are being operated as ordinary-fare mofussil buses. “The remaining 180 buses have been extended to the plains and are charged express fares, on the grounds that they travel more than 80 km. Under the previous government, only 110 mofussil buses operating within a distance of 35 km were functioning as free-travel buses for women.
In the announcement recently issued, it has been stated that women can travel free of charge even on express buses. However, it is not clear whether this benefit will also apply to the express buses operating in the Nilgiris,” he said.
The association also said that the Regional Transport Officer has granted permission for the operation of 110 mini buses in the Nilgiris. They said that while many of these buses are not functioning along the routes for which they were granted permission, their permits too are yet to be cancelled.
“All government buses that were operating on routes for which mini bus permits were granted have been cancelled. Taking advantage of this situation, additional fares are being collected on the mini buses operating on these routes. This matter has been brought to the attention of the Regional Transport Officer and the District Collector on several occasions, but no action has been taken,” alleged Mr. Manogaran, adding that bus fares in mini buses have been increased since the beginning of this month, with ticket costs along certain routes ranging from ₹15 to ₹20.
“On ordinary government buses operating under the name of ‘express buses,’ a minimum fare of ₹11 is being charged. Thus, in the Nilgiris district, both the government transport corporation, which has a virtual monopoly, and private mini bus operators functioning with a profit motive are exploiting the hill people,” he said, adding that tea estate and migrant workers were most affected by the government turning a blind eye to these practices.
Published – August 25, 2026 07:17 pm IST
