Inter-state travel across South India faces a massive disruption as omni bus operators from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, and Puducherry have launched an indefinite strike from today. The protest targets what operators call “unfair and unsustainable” road tax policies imposed by individual states, which they claim are crippling private transport operations.
All India Permits vs State Road Taxes
At the heart of the dispute is the All India Tourist Permit (AITP) system. Under this, buses are authorised to operate across states after paying a national-level “home tax” in their registration state. However, several states, including Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, have begun imposing additional road taxes on out-of-state vehicles, leading to double taxation.
A member of the Tamil Nadu Omni Bus Association told NDTV, “We already pay the home tax in our registered state. When other states impose their own road tax, it becomes financially unsustainable and defeats the purpose of the All India Permit.”
The Tamil Nadu association, which initiated the strike, said that the current structure “violates the spirit of national integration in transportation” and has left private bus operators struggling to survive.
Widespread Impact on Travellers
With nearly 1,500 omni buses off the roads, passengers who rely on long-distance private buses between southern cities—such as Chennai, Bengaluru, Kochi, Hyderabad, and Tirupati—face major inconvenience. The timing worsens matters, as demand for inter-state travel surges during the festive season.
In Kerala, the Luxury Bus Owners Association announced that services to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have been suspended since Monday evening. The association’s president, A.J. Rijas, said buses from Kerala with valid AITPs are being fined and detained unlawfully by authorities in neighbouring states.
Government Response Awaited
The Tamil Nadu Omni Bus Operators Association is scheduled to meet the State Transport Minister today to seek a resolution. A government statement is expected following the talks.
Meanwhile, operators deny allegations of fare overcharging during festivals, arguing that rising fuel prices, tolls, and multiple taxes have forced them to increase ticket prices.
Unless a consensus is reached soon, travellers across South India are likely to face major disruptions and fare spikes in the coming days.
