Bharath News HYD.
Success for ‘Surajya Abhiyaan’: Transport Department issues notice to shut down illegal passenger app!
Initiate a criminal case with a monetary penalty against the travel app that exploited millions of passengers ! – Advocating for ‘Surajya Abhiyan’
Aggregators such as ‘Make My Trip,’ ‘Red Bus,’ ‘Goibibo,’ Swari,’ ‘In Drive,’ ‘Rapido,’ ‘Quick Ride’ are operating illegally, conducting passenger transport business without obtaining proper permission from the Central Government. The Pune regional transport authorities notified the Maharashtra government on March 6th, 2024, to close a total of 18 private passenger apps. Over the past four years, Hindu Janajagruti Samiti’s ‘Surajya Abhiyaan’ has actively agitated and lodged numerous complaints against these travel apps and companies for exploiting passengers. The recent notice to shut down the app is a positive step, albeit insufficient. In response, the coordinator of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti’s ‘Surajya Abhiyaan’ insists on further action. They demand a comprehensive audit to investigate the substantial financial exploitation perpetrated by these companies, advocating for hefty financial penalties and the initiation of criminal cases against them. Shri. Abhishek Murukate has diligently pursued this cause with both the Central and State Governments.
A thorough investigation should be conducted by the CBI and ED
As mandated by Section 93 (1) of the ‘Motor Vehicles Act 1988,obtaining a license from the competent authority, in alignment with the Central Government’s guidelines, is a prerequisite for operating the business of passenger transport through apps and websites. Despite these clear regulations, this illicit practice has persisted for years without adherence. The regional transport authorities of Pune district have taken proactive measures by communicating with the state transport commissioner and the special inspector general of police for the state’s cyber cell, urging them to enforce the closure of these 18 apps. These aggregator apps, operating in defiance of regulations in Maharashtra, have extended their deceptive practices nationwide, necessitating stringent actions on a national scale. Moreover, there is an urgent need to assess the extent of the illicit financial gains accumulated thus far, identify other involved parties, and determine if this situation mirrors a significant scam, reminiscent of the ‘Mahadev Betting App.’ Shri. Abhikesh Murkute has emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation into this matter by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Action has been initiated against a taxi aggregator app, but the question remains: when will similar measures be taken against ‘online’ bus ticket booking apps?
Currently, the focus has been on addressing issues within the taxi aggregator sector. The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation terminated its contract with ‘Redbus’ and two other online apps after uncovering fraudulent activities. In 2018, the Bombay High Court’s directive mandated that online ticket booking apps and private travel companies charging excessive fares limit their charges to one and a half times the fare of government transport services in Maharashtra for a period of five years. However, there seems to be a delay in extending this corrective action to those involved in online bus ticket bookings. Under the banner of ‘Surajya Abhiyaan,’ complaints have been lodged with 16 regional and sub-regional transport officials to address passenger financial concerns and curb exploitation. Evidence has been submitted to the Transport Commissioner, emphasizing the need for swift action. Advocacy against unjust fare hikes during annual festivals and summer vacations has been relentless through complaints and protests. Shri. Abhishek Murukate has actively raised his voice on this matter, seeking intervention from key figures such as the Home Minister, Chief Minister, Prime Minister, Union Tourism Minister, and Union Transport Minister. The demand for action against online bus ticket booking apps remains a consistent and urgent call.
Sincerely Yours,
Shri. Abhishek Murkute,
