Travelers suffer as airline companies drastically hike fares

• Hike from Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 12,000
• No trains between Mangaluru-Bengaluru

Mangaluru: Following the disconnection of two major National Highways and train connectivity in Dakshina Kannada due to heavy rains, many of the airlines operating flights between Mangaluru and Bengaluru have hiked fares drastically.

With the lack of options to ply between Mangaluru-Bengaluru there is a huge demand for air tickets. However, nominal fare from Mangaluru-Bengaluru, which is usually priced between Rs 2,500 to 3,500, has now been spontaneously increased to Rs 12,000.

The heavy rains lashing coastal Karnataka has given rise to flooding and multiple landslides effectively blocking all prominent roads connecting Mangaluru with the state’s capital. With the closed down of Shiradi Ghat just days after its reopening for traffic, all vehicles have now been forced to inconveniently rely on Charmadi Ghat which is now facing heavy traffic density.

The trains between the two cities have come to a complete halt after a landslide at Yeddakumeri.  Also a railways team is currently trying to restore its railway tracks between Sakleshpur and Subhramanya which have been covered with multiple landslides at multiple locations.

Meanwhile, all the 10 airline companies providing connectivity between Mangaluru and Bengaluru have all reportedly increased their ticket prices.