Diamond workers slam ‘fare robbery’ by bus operators

For thousands of diamond workers in Surat, the joy of going home for Diwali has been clouded by an unexpected burden.

- FPJ New Service

Private luxury bus operators have doubled fares, leaving workers from the recession-hit diamond industry struggling to afford tickets to their hometowns.

The Diamond Workers Union Gujarat (DWUG) has filed a formal complaint with the Surat Police Commissioner, calling the fare hike nothing short of “daylight robbery” and demanding strict action against operators exploiting festive demand.

As per the complaint, fares have skyrocketed in the run-up to Diwali. A single seat that usually costs ?700 is being charged at 21,400, while a double seat priced at 21,400 has been hiked to %2,800. For workers hit by the prolonged slowdown in the diamond polishing industry, inflated fares are unaffordable.