Karnataka Bus Fares Set to Increase by 15% Amid Rising Operational Costs
The Karnataka cabinet has approved a 15% increase in government bus fares, effective from January 5, 2025. This decision comes in response to the significant rise in operational costs, including fuel and staff expenses, as announced by Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil.
Reasons for the Fare Hike
Minister Patil highlighted that the operational costs for the state’s transport corporations have surged dramatically. For instance, diesel consumption has escalated from ₹9.16 crore daily ten years ago to ₹13.21 crore today. Similarly, staff expenditure has risen from ₹12.95 crore to ₹18.36 crore per day. These factors necessitated the fare increase to ensure the sustainability of public transport services.
Details of the Fare Revision
The bus fare revision will affect four state transport corporations: Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC), and Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC). The last fare hike occurred on January 10, 2015, when diesel prices were ₹60.90 per litre.
The ‘Shakti’ Scheme Continues
Despite the fare increase, Minister Patil confirmed that the ‘Shakti’ scheme will remain operational. Launched on June 11, 2023, this initiative allows women to travel for free on non-luxury state-owned buses throughout Karnataka, reflecting the government’s commitment to supporting women’s mobility.
Other Important Updates
In addition to the fare hike, the cabinet has cleared all Provident Fund dues amounting to ₹2,000 crore. Minister Patil mentioned that the decision process involved considering fare rates in neighboring states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra, ensuring that Karnataka’s rates remain competitive.
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With agency inputs.
