Karnataka hikes bus fares across four state-run transport corporations
Fares for KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC will increase by 23 to 35 per cent from 5 November.
The Karnataka government has increased bus fares across its four state-run transport corporations, effective from 5 November, according to reports from South First and Moneycontrol. The hike applies to the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), the North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), the Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC), and the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC).
Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh stated that the decision was driven by rising diesel prices, increasing employee-related expenses, and mounting financial losses. He noted that the four corporations have incurred losses of approximately Rs 9,000 crore, with annual losses around Rs 2,000 crore. Suresh added that the Central Government has increased diesel prices five times in the last nine months.
In the BMTC, fares will rise by 32 to 35 per cent. The minimum fare in Bengaluru will increase from Rs 6 to Rs 10, while the maximum fare rises from Rs 35 to Rs 45. For non-airport Volvo Vajra services, the minimum fare will go from Rs 15 to Rs 20, and the maximum fare for a 60-km journey will rise from Rs 75 to Rs 90.
Fares for KSRTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC will increase by 23 per cent. For KSRTC Express services, fares will increase by Rs 19, such as the route from Rs 81 to Rs 100. Suresh clarified that the fare hike is unrelated to the Shakti scheme, which provides free travel for women, stating the government reimburses the corporations for those costs.
The Minister mentioned that the government has paid approximately Rs 16,595.75 crore to the corporations for the Shakti scheme since 2023, but Rs 6,360 crore remains outstanding. He said he would work to secure these reimbursements.