Karnataka’s state-run bus services are heading for a significant fare revision, with all four transport corporations having submitted proposals to the government seeking approval for a hike in ticket prices
— BMTC asking for a 44 per cent increase and KSRTC pushing for a 33 per cent rise.
The proposals come as mounting financial pressure on the transport undertakings has made a fare revision increasingly difficult to avoid, according to sources. Officials have warned that without a ticket price revision, the financial situation of the corporations could worsen further, adding to the economic strain on the state-run transport sector.
Why Are Fares Going Up?
The transport corporations cite a combination of factors driving their demand for higher fares. Chief among them is the financial burden arising from the Congress government’s Shakti scheme, which provides free bus travel to women across Karnataka. Rising diesel prices, salary revisions for employees and other escalating operational costs have compounded the pressure.
Which Corporations Are Seeking A Hike?
All four state transport corporations — including the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) — have reportedly pressed for a fare revision and submitted their proposals to the government. BMTC, which operates city bus services in Bengaluru, has sought the steeper hike at 44 per cent, while KSRTC has proposed a 33 per cent increase in intercity fares.
What Does CM Shivakumar Say?
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, confirming that the proposals have reached his desk, said he has asked for a detailed report before taking a call.
Flagging the widening gap between private diesel prices and the rate at which transport depots procure fuel, the CM noted that the difference of over Rs 40 per litre was a cause for concern. “KSRTC has to survive and the fare hike should not cause inconvenience to the people as well,” he said.
Shivakumar added that while fare hikes were earlier automatic whenever diesel prices rose, he intends to deliberate on the matter afresh.
He also invoked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to citizens to use public transport to reduce fuel consumption, saying the state would keep that in mind while arriving at a decision. “For the welfare of the people of the state, we will take a decision at the earliest,” he said.
What Happens If Fares Aren’t Revised?
Officials from the transport undertakings argue that failing to revise ticket prices will only deepen the financial burden on the corporations. Without additional revenue, the corporations say they will struggle to sustain operations, meet salary commitments and manage fuel costs — risks that, they warn, could ultimately affect service availability for commuters.
The government is yet to formally respond to the proposals, and no timeline has been indicated for a final decision on the fare revision.
