Karnataka Increases Bus Fares for State-Run Services

The Karnataka government has announced an increase in fares for state-run buses, impacting both the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) services. The revised fare structure will take effect from November 5.

Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh confirmed the fare hike during a press briefing in Bengaluru. Under the new pricing, the minimum fare for BMTC services will rise from ₹6 to ₹10, while the maximum fare will increase from ₹35 to ₹45.

For BMTC Vajra services, which are non-airport Volvo buses, the fares will change with the minimum cost moving from ₹15 to ₹20 and the maximum fare increasing from ₹75 to ₹90 for distances up to 60 kilometres.

The fare adjustments for KSRTC services vary by route. For example, the fare from Bengaluru to Kolar/Tumakuru will be ₹100, up from ₹81. Similarly, the fare for Bengaluru to Mysuru will now be ₹197, previously ₹160. Other notable increases include Bengaluru to Hassan, which will now cost ₹270 compared to ₹219, and Bengaluru to Chikkamagaluru, now at ₹363 instead of ₹295.

While Suresh initially withheld specific figures regarding the overall fare increases, he later disclosed that fares for KSRTC, North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC) services would undergo an average increase of 23%. In contrast, BMTC services would see a steeper rise, estimated between 33% and 35%. Suresh maintained that the fare increments were not excessive, despite a strong public sentiment against them.

The three-member Public Transport Fare Regulatory Committee recommended an overall fare increase of 25% for KSRTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC services, and a more significant 40% hike for BMTC services.

In addition to the fare adjustments, the Karnataka government's Shakti scheme, which provides free travel for women on non-luxury buses, has been highlighted as a significant cost factor. The Minister noted that the state has reimbursed ₹16,595.75 crore to the public transport undertakings since the beginning of 2023 related to this initiative. Suresh emphasised that the ¥9,912 crore in cumulative losses incurred by the state's transport bodies could not solely be attributed to the Shakti scheme.

Suresh pointed out that the fare hike aligns with similar increases seen in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, attributing the adjustments in part to rising diesel prices. He affirmed that the government would strive for maximum reimbursements for the Shakti scheme, reinforcing the commitment to public transport while addressing fuel cost challenges.