Karnataka implements 15% bus fare hike amid financial strain

The Karnataka government has implemented a 15% hike in bus fares across all categories, effective Sunday, to address mounting financial challenges faced by its road transport corporations (RTCs).

This revision impacts premium and non-AC buses operated by the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), and Kalyan Karnataka Transport Corporation (KKRTC).

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Key routes in Bengaluru, such as trips to Kempegowda International Airport, will now cost over ₹300. For instance, fares from Kempegowda Bus Station and HSR BDA Complex to the airport have been set at ₹290 and ₹300, respectively.

Long-distance non-AC KSRTC services also reflect significant fare hikes:

• Bengaluru to Mysore: ₹162 (up by ₹21)
• Bengaluru to Mangalore: ₹454 (up by ₹56)
• Bengaluru to Bidar: ₹936 (up by ₹115).

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy cited rising costs for diesel, staff wages, and maintenance as primary reasons for the revision. Employee wages now total ₹18.36 crore daily, up from ₹12.85 crore in 2015.

The state’s RTCs, operating 25,337 buses on 23,038 schedules and serving over 1.16 crore passengers daily, face a ₹1,092.95 crore deficit from April to November 2024. Pandemic-induced revenue losses and mounting liabilities of ₹6,520.14 crore have further strained finances.