Karnataka hikes bus fares across four state-run transport corporations
The fare revision for KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC takes effect from midnight on November 4.
The Karnataka government announced a hike in bus fares across its four state-run transport corporations on November 4, according to reports by The Hindu and Moneycontrol. The revised rates for the KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC will come into effect from midnight on November 4.
Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh stated that the decision was driven by rising diesel prices, increased costs for bus maintenance and spare parts, and the need for employee wage revisions. He noted that the four corporations collectively face annual losses of approximately Rs 2,000 crore. Suresh also mentioned that Rs 6,362 crore, which includes dues under the Shakti scheme, remains outstanding from the state government.
The average fare increase for KSRTC is 23 per cent, while BMTC fares will rise by between 32 and 35 per cent. For BMTC, the minimum fare has increased from Rs 6 to Rs 10. In KSRTC ordinary services, fares for routes from Bengaluru to Nelamangala and Hoskote have risen from Rs 35 to Rs 44, while travel to Doddaballapura and Anekal has increased from Rs 38 to Rs 47.
Express service fares for KSRTC will also see increases, such as the Bengaluru to Kolar and Tumakuru route rising from Rs 81 to Rs 100. Long-distance fares to Mysuru will increase from Rs 160 to Rs 197, while Chikkamagaluru fares will go from Rs 295 to Rs 363. The hike covers ordinary, express, long-distance, and airport bus services.
The minister clarified that the Shakti scheme, which provides free travel for eligible women, is not the cause of the corporations' financial difficulties. He noted that the state reimburses the corporations for the cost of these free tickets, though payments are sometimes delayed. Women in Karnataka will still receive free travel on non-AC state-run buses through the scheme.