Karnataka Government Raises Bus Fares Across State Transport Corporations

UPDATE - follow-up to Karnataka hikes bus fares in BMTC, KSRTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC: The Karnataka government has implemented a bus fare increase across all four State-run transport corporations, namely BMTC, KSRTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC, starting from midnight on November 4.

Fare Details

The average hike is about 23% for KSRTC and ranges between 33% and 35% for BMTC. The Public Transport Fare Regulatory Committee, led by retired IAS officer Atul Kumar Tiwari, had recommended a higher increase of 45%. The boards of the four transport corporations had initially asked for a fare hike of up to 90%. Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh announced that the revision affects ordinary, express, long-distance, and airport services.

Specific Routes

KSRTC ordinary bus fares go up by up to ₹9 based on distance. In Bengaluru, the Nelamangala to Majestic fare rises from ₹35 to ₹44, and the Doddaballapur to Majestic fare goes from ₹38 to ₹47. The minimum stage-wise BMTC fare moves from ₹6 to ₹10, while the Hebbal to Kempegowda International Airport bus fare increases from ₹175 to ₹200. KSRTC Express fares rise from ₹81 to ₹100, and long-distance fares go from ₹75 to ₹90. Minister Suresh noted that fares for premium services like Vajra and Volvo buses can be revised when needed.

Reasons And Press Meet

Mr. Suresh stated that the corporations face annual losses of around ₹2,000 crore. He linked the fare revision to higher diesel prices, rising costs for spare parts and bus maintenance, and pending wage revisions for workers. He clarified that the Shakti Scheme is not to blame for financial troubles, as the government reimburses free tickets for eligible women, despite occasional payment delays. The press conference on November 4 saw confusion as reporters asked for percentage-wise increases and official press releases, with the Minister asking journalists to calculate percentages themselves.

Context

State-run public transport bodies in India often require periodic fare adjustments to offset rising operational costs such as fuel and employee salaries. These revisions aim to balance public affordability with the financial survival of regional transit networks.