Karnataka increases state bus fares to address transport corporation losses
Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh attributed the fare hike to rising diesel costs and accumulated losses of approximately ₹10,200 crore.
The Karnataka government has increased bus fares for state-run transport services, effective from Wednesday night, according to reports by The Hindu and Urban Acres. Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh stated the revision was necessary to prevent the four state transport corporations from facing further financial distress.
The Minister explained that the corporations have accumulated collective losses of about ₹10,200 crore. He attributed the financial situation to rising operational costs, noting that the Union government has raised diesel prices seven times since May, which added ₹10.47 per litre to the cost. The four corporations spend roughly ₹15.60 crore daily on diesel, which accounts for an annual expenditure of ₹5,694 crore.
For Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) services, the minimum fare has risen from ₹6 to ₹10. The maximum BMTC fare increased from ₹35 to ₹40, while Vajra premium services saw minimum fares rise from ₹15 to ₹20 and maximum fares increase from ₹75 to ₹90. Urban Acres reported that BMTC fares increased by 35 per cent.
In KSRTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC services, ordinary bus fares will increase by up to ₹9 for the first five stages, while express services may see a maximum increase of ₹18. KSRTC ticket prices have risen by 23 per cent, according to Urban Acres.
Addressing concerns regarding the Shakti scheme, which provides free travel to women, Minister Byrathi Suresh clarified that the scheme is not responsible for the losses. He stated that the government periodically reimburses the corporations for the cost of the free travel provided to the approximately 74.40 lakh women who use the service daily.