The Karnataka cabinet on Thursday approved a 15 per cent fare hike in four state-run bus corporations, effective January 5. According to H.K. Patil, Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, the increase was attributed to rising operational costs.

The hike is expected to generate an additional revenue of ₹74.85 crore per month for the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC).

Price hike essential for operational efficiency

Patil described the revision as essential. Speaking to the media after the cabinet meeting, he explained, “BMTC fares were last revised in 2015, when diesel prices were ₹60.90 per litre. The four corporations cumulatively had a daily diesel expenditure of ₹9.16 crore, which has now increased to ₹13.2 crore. Similarly, daily staff salaries across these corporations have grown from ₹12.95 crore to ₹18.36 crore.”

Patil also noted that the ‘Shakti’ scheme, which offers free rides to women on state-owned non-AC buses, will remain unaffected. He added, “Despite the fare increase, Karnataka’s bus fares will continue to be lower than those in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra.”

(With inputs from PTI)