IndiGo crisis triggers 40% spike in bus fares on Amritsar-Delhi route

As IndiGo cancelled 15 of its 26 flights on Sunday, hundreds of passengers were forced to seek alternative travel options, prompting private bus and taxi operators to sharply increase fares on key routes.

Passengers expressed anger over the cancellations, though the airline said it had informed travellers in advance to minimise inconvenience at Sri Guru Ramdas Jee International Airport.

The cancelled flights included services on the Pune-Amritsar, Delhi-Amritsar, Srinagar-Amritsar, Bengaluru-Amritsar, Kolkata-Amritsar and Mumbai-Amritsar routes, along with multiple return flights. Private bus operators hiked fares by over 40 per cent on the busy Amritsar-Delhi route. Normally, they charge Rs 600 for an ordinary seat and Rs 700 for a sleeper. With increased demand, fares have risen to Rs 900 and Rs 1,000, respectively. About 40 buses operate daily on this stretch.

Taxi fares have also surged. “Tour and taxi operators who would charge Rs 10,000 for a five-seater and Rs 16,000 for a seven-seater cab are now demanding Rs 2,000 more,” said businessman Vikas Mehra.

To handle the rush, the Northern Railway has added coaches to several trains. These include one AC 3-tier coach in the New Delhi-Jammu Tawi Rajdhani Express (12425/26), one AC chair car in the New Delhi-Chandigarh Shatabdi Express (12045/46), and two AC chair cars in the Amritsar-New Delhi Swarna Shatabdi Express (12030/29).

Airport Director SK Kapahi said the airport was ensuring timely communication to passengers and noted that many were switching to other airlines. He added that, as per Ministry of Civil Aviation instructions, private airlines were no longer allowed to overcharge passengers.