Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh cited rising fuel costs and financial losses for the fare revision effective from midnight on November 4.
The Karnataka government has increased bus fares across its four state-run road transport corporations, including KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC, according to reports by Moneycontrol, The Hindu, and Deccan Herald. The revision, which takes effect at midnight on November 4, follows a recent increase in Nandini milk prices.
Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh stated in Bengaluru that the decision was driven by rising diesel prices, increasing employee-related expenditures, and mounting financial losses. He noted that nearly 80 per cent of the corporations' expenditure is directed towards diesel and staff costs. The minister also mentioned that the corporations have accumulated losses of approximately Rs 10,200 crore.
The average fare hike is 23 per cent for KSRTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC, while BMTC services will see an average increase of 33 to 35 per cent. In Bengaluru, BMTC minimum fares have risen from Rs 6 to Rs 10, and maximum fares have increased from Rs 35 to Rs 45. For BMTC Vajra services, the minimum fare is now Rs 20, up from Rs 15.
KSRTC express fares from Bengaluru to Mysuru have increased from Rs 160 to Rs 197, while the fare to Chikkamagaluru has risen from Rs 295 to Rs 363. The minister clarified that women domiciled in Karnataka will continue to travel for free on non-AC buses under the Shakti scheme.
Addressing the financial situation, Suresh said the state government reimburses the corporations for the Shakti scheme. He noted that Rs 6,362 crore remains outstanding from the state government for these dues. The minister also indicated that fares for premium services like Volvo buses could be revised periodically.
