Thu Oct 09 15:46:14 UTC 2025: Here’s a summarized news article based on the provided text:

**Headline: Private Bus Fare Hike Strands Commuters Near Madurai After Toll Increase**

**Madurai, October 9, 2025:** Commuters in Kariyapatti and Aviyur are facing unexpected financial strain as private bus operators have unilaterally increased fares by ₹10 following a significant increase in toll charges at the Eliyarpathi toll plaza operated by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

The fare hike, which took effect three days ago, adds ₹20 to the daily commute of many residents who travel to Madurai for work and education. Passengers are now paying ₹40 instead of ₹30 between Tiruchuli Junction and Mattuthavani, and ₹35 instead of ₹28 from Kariyapatti bus stand to Mattuthavani.

Private bus operators are protesting the NHAI’s decision to raise monthly toll pass charges from ₹9,740 to ₹63,825, significantly impacting their operating costs. Banners condemning the NHAI have been placed on the buses.

While government buses continue to charge the original fare, commuters report a lack of government bus services during peak hours, forcing them to rely on the more expensive private options. Community leaders are questioning the lack of intervention from Regional Transport Officers, noting that the unauthorized fare increase has been in effect for several days.

Bus operators maintain that the fare increase is necessary to offset the higher toll costs, claiming they are not profiting from the change. They also point out that existing cases against the Eliyarpathi toll plaza are pending before the Supreme Court. The situation highlights the impact of infrastructure cost increases on everyday citizens and raises concerns about regulatory oversight of private transport.

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