Bus travel gets costlier in Karnataka; fares hiked by 23% to 35%

In another financial blow to consumers following the recent increase in milk and curd prices, the Karnataka government has announced a hike in bus fares across all four State-run transport corporations, with the revised rates coming into effect from the early hours of Thursday, November 5.

While fares on services operated by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC) have been increased by an average of 23%, Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) fares have been raised by 35%.

Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh announced the revision at a press conference held at the KSRTC central office in Bengaluru on Wednesday. He attributed the increase to repeated hikes in diesel prices by the Union government since May this year, rising expenditure on spare parts, higher staff-related costs and mounting financial losses incurred by the transport corporations.

According to the revised fare structure, BMTC fares have increased by ₹4 to ₹12, depending on the distance travelled. For KSRTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC services, the increase ranges from ₹9 to ₹18, depending on the stages of travel and the type of service.

Defending the decision, Mr. Suresh said the government had opted for a comparatively lower increase than the 45% hike recommended by the Public Transport Fare Regulatory Committee (PTFRC), chaired by retired IAS officer Atul Kumar Tiwari. The committee had examined the financial position of the four transport corporations before submitting its recommendations to the government. “The boards of the four transport corporations had sought fare increases of up to 90%. However, the government opted for a lower revision, keeping public interest in mind,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar defended the fare revision, stating that it had become necessary due to the increase in diesel prices effected by the Union government. He said the State government was willing to proportionately reduce bus fares if the Centre rolled back diesel prices. "The State-owned road transport corporations are facing losses. About three weeks ago, the State government had to intervene when the RTCs did not have money to purchase diesel. The government provided the funds,” he told reporters in Bengaluru.

His remarks came in response to the Opposition parties’ announcement of statewide protests against the fare hike on Thursday. The Opposition BJP and JD(S) have announced protests across Karnataka on November 5, accusing the Congress government of burdening the public with repeated price increases. The protests are expected to target the latest bus fare revision, which comes days after the State government increased milk and curd prices by ₹8 per litre or packet across categories.