Karnataka hikes bus fares across four state-run transport corporations
The fare revision, effective from November 5, aims to address rising diesel prices and mounting financial losses in the transport sector.
The Karnataka government has increased bus fares across the BMTC, KSRTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC, according to reports by The Hindu and Moneycontrol. The revised rates for ordinary, express, and air-conditioned services will come into effect from midnight on November 4.
Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh stated that the hike is intended to save these institutions rather than generate profit. He attributed the decision to rising diesel prices, increased costs for bus maintenance and spare parts, and the need for employee wage revisions. The four corporations collectively face annual losses of approximately Rs 2,000 crore.
The average fare increase is around 23 per cent for KSRTC and between 32 per cent and 35 per cent for BMTC. This follows a recent increase in Nandini milk prices, which rose by Rs 8 per litre on November 1.
In Bengaluru, the BMTC minimum stage-wise fare has risen from Rs 6 to Rs 10. For KSRTC, ordinary bus fares have increased by up to Rs 9 depending on distance, while express service fares have risen from Rs 81 to Rs 100.
Minister Suresh clarified that the Shakti scheme, which provides free travel for eligible women on non-AC buses, is not responsible for the financial difficulties of the corporations. He noted that the government reimburses the corporations for the cost of these free tickets, though payments are sometimes delayed.
The Minister also mentioned that rates for premium services, such as Volvo and Vajra buses, may undergo further revisions in the future as required.