Passenger bus operators in Chhattisgarh have warned of a statewide strike from September 22, demanding a revision in fares and action on other long-pending issues.

 Passenger bus services across Chhattisgarh may come to a halt from September 22 as the state’s bus operators have warned of a statewide strike over their demand for a fare hike and other pending issues.The Chhattisgarh Transport Federation (Chhattisgarh Yatayat Mahasangh) has said that if their demands are not addressed soon, passenger buses will stop operating across the state.Bus operators claim that rising diesel prices and increasing operational costs have made it difficult to run services at the existing fare rates.

Operators say fare hike proposal pending for four months

Federation president Anwar Ali said that bus operators have been raising their concerns before the government and the Transport Department for a long time, but no concrete decision has been taken.According to the federation, a proposal seeking a revision in passenger bus fares was submitted to the Transport Department around four months ago. However, the operators claim that no decision has been taken so far.The federation also alleged that there has been no meeting between transport officials and bus operators for nearly three years.

Nine-point demand submitted

Apart from the fare hike, bus operators have placed a nine-point demand charter before the government.

Their major demands include:

• Increase in passenger bus fares due to rising fuel and operational costs

• Implementation of single tax on single sleeper seats

• Restriction on operation of e-buses within city limits

• Action against All India Tourist Permit buses operating from rural areas and bus stands

• Proper gap between buses under stage carriage time schedules

• Reduction in VLTD device renewal charges

• Provision for manual fitness certification of buses

• Simplification of approval process for operating buses in other districts and states

• Online permit facility for all buses

Strike may affect daily commuters

If the strike takes place, thousands of passengers who depend on buses for daily travel may face difficulties.The state government and the Transport Department are yet to announce any decision on the operators’ warning. The next step will depend on discussions between the government and the bus operators’ federation.

Centre acts after reports of remote e-rickshaw shutdowns; advisory issued to drivers to secure Bluetooth-enabled battery systems

The Centre has ordered the removal of seven Chinese mobile applications linked to Bluetooth-enabled battery management systems (BMS) used in electric rickshaws after receiving hundreds of complaints from across the country alleging that vehicles were being remotely switched off while in operation.

The move comes after incidents reported from several states, including Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, where e-rickshaw drivers claimed that their vehicles suddenly stopped functioning in the middle of roads, causing inconvenience, financial losses and safety concerns.

According to officials, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) directed the concerned app stores to remove seven applications, including those associated with battery management systems manufactured by Chinese companies. The decision follows growing concerns over cybersecurity vulnerabilities and the possibility of unauthorized remote access to battery systems.

Hundreds of complaints prompted government action

Government sources indicated that authorities had been receiving complaints on an almost daily basis from different parts of the country. In Bhopal alone, police reportedly received dozens of complaints, while similar incidents were reported in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Investigations suggested that some Bluetooth-enabled lithium battery systems installed in e-rickshaws could be remotely accessed if adequate security measures such as password protection were absent. In certain cases, individuals allegedly connected to nearby battery systems using mobile applications and activated a "discharge" command, causing the vehicle to stop immediately.

The ministry has advised users to verify whether battery management applications installed on their devices are genuine and to uninstall applications that are no longer supported or appear suspicious.

How the battery management apps function

Battery Management System (BMS) applications are commonly used to monitor lithium-ion battery health, charging status, temperature and overall performance. These applications communicate with batteries through Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to monitor battery parameters from their smartphones.

However, cybersecurity experts warn that batteries lacking proper authentication or default passwords may become vulnerable to unauthorized access.

The report noted that older lead-acid battery-operated e-rickshaws are generally unaffected because they do not use Bluetooth-based battery management systems. Similarly, branded lithium battery manufacturers that provide encrypted software and secure password protection are considered relatively safer against such misuse.

What drivers should do if the vehicle stops

Technology experts have advised drivers that if an e-rickshaw suddenly shuts down, they should first switch off the vehicle using the key, wait for five to ten seconds, and then restart it. In many cases, the battery management system resets itself and resumes normal operation.

Drivers have also been advised to disable Bluetooth on their mobile phones when not required, change default Bluetooth passwords, and consult battery manufacturers to disconnect unnecessary Bluetooth modules wherever possible.

Tampering with battery systems may attract legal action

Authorities have warned that intentionally accessing or interfering with another person's battery management system without authorization constitutes a cyber offence under Indian law. Such actions may attract criminal prosecution under provisions of the Information Technology Act relating to unauthorized access and computer-related offences.

Officials also emphasized that deliberately stopping a moving vehicle through digital interference could create public safety risks and may invite additional legal consequences.

The government has appealed to e-rickshaw owners, battery manufacturers and service providers to strengthen cybersecurity measures while encouraging users to install software updates only from trusted sources.

As India's electric mobility ecosystem expands rapidly, the latest action underscores the growing importance of cybersecurity alongside road safety, particularly as connected vehicle technologies become increasingly common across the transport sector.

The Barmer-Rishikesh Express, one of the oldest long-distance trains operated under North Western Railway, is facing severe passenger pressure as demand continues to outstrip capacity on the 48-year-old route. The train, which connects western Rajasthan to Uttarakhand, has emerged as the primary rail link for thousands of passengers from Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab, especially for religious travel and long-distance journeys.

With no parallel service introduced on the route, the Barmer-Rishikesh Express is now operating under heavy strain, leaving passengers to contend with long waiting lists and overcrowded coaches.

Reservations Under Stress

According to current booking trends, reservations on the Barmer-Rishikesh Express remain full for nearly two months ahead. Railway booking data shows sleeper class waiting lists ranging between 120 and 180 on most dates between late April and June, while third AC waiting lists remain between 40 and 70.

The pressure is more severe in general coaches, where passengers often travel standing for long hours. Many are forced to sit near toilets or on coach entry steps due to a lack of space, highlighting the growing mismatch between demand and available capacity.

Three States Depend

The train serves as a crucial transport link for passengers from Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab, many of whom rely on it for pilgrimages to Haridwar and Rishikesh. It is widely used by devotees travelling for Ganga snan, temple visits and ritual ceremonies, including pind daan and asthi visarjan.

With no additional train introduced on the sector, the entire passenger load from these regions continues to fall on a single service. Railway users and local passenger groups say the route has remained underserved despite sustained demand over several years.

A 48-Year Legacy

The Barmer-Rishikesh Express began operations in 1978 and has remained one of the most significant long-distance trains for northern and western India. It was later operated as the Barmer-Haridwar-Kalka Link Express, with linked coaches for Chandigarh and Kalka.

The train used to split at Ambala, allowing passengers direct access to Chandigarh and onward connectivity. After the Kalka link was withdrawn following the Covid-19 period, the entire passenger flow was diverted to the Barmer-Rishikesh section, significantly increasing the load on the existing service.

Reserved Seats Affected

Passengers say overcrowding has now begun affecting even reserved classes. According to regular travellers, sleeper and AC coaches often become congested after the train enters Punjab, with unreserved passengers boarding despite confirmed reservations.

This has led to frequent complaints from passengers who, despite booking confirmed seats well in advance, struggle to access their berths. Railway users say the crowding has made reserved travel increasingly difficult and uncomfortable, particularly during the summer and festive rush.

Railway Cites Constraints

Railway officials have acknowledged the demand pressure but cited operational limitations. Bhupesh Yadav, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Bikaner division, said adding more coaches to the existing train is not feasible at present because the platform at Rishikesh can accommodate only 16 coaches.

He said a proposal would be sent to North Western Railway headquarters for introducing a new train between Bikaner and Haridwar to ease pressure on the route.

Demand For Relief

Passenger groups have renewed their demand for an additional train, arguing that a fresh service is the only practical solution to ease congestion on the Barmer-Rishikesh Express. Lakshman Sharma of the Citizen Struggle Committee for Rail, Suratgarh, said passengers are being forced to travel in extremely difficult conditions because of limited capacity and the absence of a second train. The demand is likely to gain traction as summer travel peaks and religious movement increases further.

Indian Railways has clarified that passengers holding a valid UDID Card can now travel in reserved SLRD and LSLRD coaches of mail and express trains. The move aims to remove confusion at stations and ensure smoother access for eligible travellers.

According to officials, the decision forms part of ongoing Government Updates focused on improving accessibility and travel dignity for persons with disabilities.

Who Is Eligible

Railway authorities have specified two categories of passengers who will be treated as “authorised” for travel in these reserved compartments.

The first includes individuals holding a valid UDID (Unique Disability ID) Card issued by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. The second category comprises passengers eligible for railway fare concessions under disability norms. However, officials stressed that all such passengers must carry valid tickets or authorised travel documents.

Reserved Coach Details

The SLRD (Second Class Luggage-cum-Brake Van with Disabled Compartment) and LSLRD coaches are specially designed to accommodate passengers with disabilities.

These compartments provide dedicated seating space and accessibility features, ensuring a safer and more convenient journey. The clarification now ensures that genuine passengers are not stopped or questioned unnecessarily while boarding these coaches.

Crackdown on Misuse

Railways has also warned of strict action against unauthorised passengers occupying these reserved compartments. As per officials, anyone found travelling in these coaches without proper eligibility will face penalties under the Railway Act, 1989. Enforcement teams have been instructed to take immediate action to prevent misuse. This step is expected to curb long-standing complaints of overcrowding and misuse of facilities meant for disabled passengers.

What Is UDID

The UDID Card is part of a nationwide initiative to create a central database of persons with disabilities.The system allows for uniform identification and easier access to welfare schemes. Cards are issued by authorised medical authorities under state governments and Union Territories.

Officials say the initiative reduces paperwork and ensures that beneficiaries do not have to repeatedly submit documents for availing services.

Railway ID Integration

In addition to UDID, Indian Railways also provides a disability identity card for concessional travel, sometimes referred to as an e-ticketing photo identity card.

This card allows eligible passengers to avail fare discounts and is linked to disability certification. In some cases, the UDID Card itself is accepted as a valid document for availing such benefits. Applications and renewals can be processed through official railway portals and central government service platforms.

Impact on Passengers

The clarification is being seen as a major Public Interest Story that directly benefits thousands of passengers across the country. By clearly defining eligibility, Railways aims to reduce disputes, improve accessibility, and ensure that facilities reach intended beneficiaries. Passenger groups have long demanded stricter enforcement and better awareness regarding reserved compartments.

What Lies Ahead

Railway officials indicated that awareness campaigns may be launched to inform passengers about the updated rules. There are also plans to strengthen monitoring at stations and onboard trains to ensure compliance.

The latest directive reinforces that UDID Card holders can now travel without obstruction in designated coaches, marking an important step in making railway travel more inclusive.

A Tikamgarh bus accident on Tuesday morning left 11 passengers injured after a private passenger bus overturned near Bada Gaon Road, around five kilometres from the district headquarters. The bus, operated by a private transport company, was travelling from Indore to Tikamgarh when it reportedly lost control and toppled near a crossing close to Hanuman Temple under the Kotwali police station limits.

According to preliminary inputs from local administration, the injured passengers were immediately shifted to the district hospital for treatment. Officials confirmed that while most of the injured sustained minor wounds, a few passengers suffered head injuries requiring closer medical attention. Authorities have initiated an investigation into the circumstances that led to the mishap.

Accident Near Temple Crossing

The incident took place during the early hours when the bus reached a busy crossing area near the Hanuman Temple. Eyewitnesses informed local authorities that the vehicle appeared to have been moving at a moderate speed before suddenly losing balance and overturning on the roadside.

Police teams and emergency response units reached the spot shortly after being alerted. The area was cordoned off to ensure smooth rescue operations and traffic movement.

Injured Shifted Hospital

All 11 injured passengers were transported to the district hospital without delay. Medical teams at the facility began immediate treatment upon arrival. Hospital sources indicated that a majority of the injured are stable, while those with head injuries are under observation.

Officials stated that no fatalities have been reported so far. The quick response by ambulance services helped prevent further complications among the injured passengers.

Administrative Response On-Site

Senior district officials, including the Collector and Sub-Divisional Officer, visited the hospital to take stock of the situation and meet the injured passengers. They interacted with medical staff and ensured that proper treatment arrangements were in place.

The administration has directed hospital authorities to provide all necessary medical assistance without delay. Officials also reviewed the condition of each patient admitted following the Tikamgarh bus accident.

Police Investigation Underway

Kotwali police have launched a formal inquiry into the cause of the accident. Initial focus remains on driver statements, road conditions, and vehicle maintenance records. According to police officials, the exact reason behind the loss of control will be ascertained after a detailed investigation.

Authorities are also examining whether overspeeding, mechanical failure, or road conditions contributed to the mishap. Statements from passengers and the driver are being recorded.

Possible Causes Examined

Preliminary assessment suggests that the bus may have become unstable while negotiating the turn near the temple crossing. However, officials have not ruled out technical failure or human error.

Transport department officials are expected to inspect the vehicle to check for mechanical issues. The investigation will also consider road design and visibility factors at the accident site.

Passenger Safety Concerns

The incident has once again highlighted concerns over passenger safety on intercity routes in Madhya Pradesh. Regular commuters have raised questions about vehicle maintenance and monitoring of private bus operators. Authorities have indicated that stricter checks may be introduced if lapses are found in compliance or safety standards.

Next Steps in Probe

The administration has assured that a detailed report will be prepared after completing the investigation. Action will be taken based on findings from police, transport authorities, and medical reports.

Further updates are expected once the driver’s statement and technical inspection results are reviewed. The Tikamgarh bus accident has prompted renewed focus on road safety measures across the region.

The Tikamgarh bus accident remains under active investigation, with officials closely monitoring both the medical condition of the injured and the technical assessment of the vehicle involved.

Passengers face steep price hikes as private operators cash in on festival rush; transport department admits limited control over online bookings

As millions of revellers prepare to celebrate Holi with their families, travellers in Madhya Pradesh are being hit with exorbitant bus fares that have skyrocketed up to eight times the normal rates—this despite Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav's stern warning against overcharging just a day ago.

The Holi fare surge Madhya Pradesh has left passengers stranded or forced to pay astronomical prices, with the Bhopal–Lucknow route emerging as the most expensive, showing ticket prices as high as Rs 8,899 on online booking platforms.

Fares Touch Shocking Highs on Key Routes

Data from popular booking apps reveals rampant overcharging across multiple routes originating from the state capital:

Bhopal–Lucknow: Betwanti Travels is charging Rs 8,899 against the usual Rs 1,400–1,800—a nearly 400 percent hike

Bhopal–Mumbai: Ratan Tour and Travels has listed fares at Rs 6,006, compared to the standard Rs 1,400–1,700 range

Bhopal–Satna: Tickets are touching Rs 4,500 on Red Bus app, while normal rates hover between Rs 1,000–1,200

Bhopal–Rewa: Sunil Tour and Travels is demanding up to Rs 6,000, against the regular Rs 900–1,200 fare

Private bus operators overcharging has become so brazen that even mid-distance routes like Bhopal–Jabalpur and Bhopal–Gwalior are witnessing fares three to four times higher than usual.

Why Prices Have Spiked During Festival Travel Rush

The festival travel rush has created a perfect storm for price gouging. With lakhs of migrant workers, students, and professionals attempting to return to their hometowns for Holi celebrations, demand has far outstripped supply.

"We're seeing unprecedented crowds at bus stands across the state," said a transport department official requesting anonymity. "Private operators know passengers have no choice but to pay these rates if they want to reach home for the festival."

Transport Department's Limited Authority

Bhopal RTO Jitendra Sharma acknowledged the department's constrained role in regulating fares displayed on digital platforms. "We don't directly control prices shown on online booking apps. Ticket rates are determined by individual bus operators, and apps merely reflect those charges," Sharma explained.

He advised aggrieved passengers to file formal complaints with the transport department, promising action against errant operators where jurisdiction permits.

Bus Owners Blame 'Illegal' Tourist Vehicles

Jai Kumar Jain, General Secretary of the Madhya Pradesh Bus Owners Association, offered a different perspective. He claimed that legitimate stage carriage buses aren't involved in fare irregularities.

"The real culprits are vehicles operating under All India Tourist Permits that are being illegally used as stage carriages," Jain stated. "These operators face limited regulatory oversight and are exploiting the festival season to maximize profits."

CM's Warning Falls on Deaf Ears?

Just 24 hours before the fare surge came to light, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav had issued strict directives during a video conference with Superintendents of Police and IGs across the state.

"Ensure special sensitivity during festival travel and crack down on illegal fare collection," the CM had instructed, ordering officials to maintain strict vigilance and take immediate action against overcharging.

Yet, enforcement appears to have made little impact on ground reality.

What Passengers Can Do

For those stranded or facing exorbitant fares, experts suggest:

- Document evidence of overcharging through screenshots and payment receipts

- File complaints on the transport department's portal or through the CM Helpline

- Consider alternative travel options like trains or shared private vehicles

- Report specific bus operators with vehicle numbers to local RTO offices

As Holi approaches, thousands remain hopeful that authorities will step in before the festival rush peaks further. For now, families may have to dig deep into their pockets for the priceless joy of reaching home in time for the colours.