Karnataka raises bus fares by up to 35 per cent
The fare revision across four state-run transport corporations takes effect from November 5.
The Karnataka government has increased bus fares across its four state-run transport corporations by between 23 and 35 per cent, according to BusinessLine. The revised rates for the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC) take effect from November 5.
In Bengaluru, BMTC fares have risen by 33 to 35 per cent. The minimum BMTC fare has increased to Rs 10 from Rs 6, while the maximum fare has risen to Rs 45 from Rs 35. KSRTC fares have been raised by 23 per cent.
Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh said the corporations had sought increases of up to 90 per cent, but the government opted for a more moderate revision to avoid placing a considerable burden on passengers. He noted that the four corporations are incurring losses of about Rs 2,000 crore due to mounting costs for fuel, vehicle maintenance, repairs, and wage revisions.
Suresh stated that fares had only been revised once in the past 11 years and maintained that the Shakti scheme, which provides free travel to eligible women, does not cause financial difficulty as the government fully reimburses the corporations. He added that Karnataka's bus fares remain lower than those in neighbouring states.
Responding to critics of the hike, the Karnataka Chief Minister said those criticising the move should instead urge the Centre to reduce fuel prices. He said that if petrol and diesel prices were reduced, the government could afford to reduce bus ticket prices.