Students Protest Bus Fare Hike in Guna, Demand Free Passes

गुना | राजा हतम वेग

Students Denounce Bus Fare Increase in Guna

Guna, September 25, 2026: The Democratic Student Organization (DSO) staged a vehement protest at Ambedkar Square in Guna, condemning the recent hike in bus fares. Students are demanding the immediate withdrawal of this decision and the reinstatement of free bus passes for all students.

Protesters alleged that the fare increase imposes an excessive financial burden on students, laborers, and regular commuters, particularly those who travel daily from rural areas to the city. Student leaders Amit and Rohit Ahirwar highlighted that under new regulations implemented on August 5, the fare for ordinary buses has risen from ₹1.25 to ₹2 per kilometer, with the minimum fare now set at ₹10.

District President Shubham Rao stated that an additional 10% fare is being charged for ordinary buses during nighttime. Fares for deluxe and AC buses have also been increased. He emphasized that this economic strain, already unbearable for common families struggling with inflation and unemployment, now poses a crisis for the future of students pursuing education.

Rural Students Face Transportation Burden

Approximately 15,000 students are registered at the government postgraduate college in Guna, yet the college's bus facility is inadequate, with only one bus available. College management charges students ₹365 annually, a sum student leaders deemed insufficient. Students commuting from distant villages are spending up to ₹300 daily on transportation.

The escalating transport costs, coupled with academic expenses, have rendered many students unable to continue their studies, sparking deep concern for their future. The student organization has warned of intensified protests if their demands are not met and the fare hike is not reversed promptly. This protest underscores the demand for the protection of students' educational and economic interests.