Karnataka hikes bus fares in BMTC, KSRTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC

The Karnataka government has increased bus fares across all four State-run transport corporations – BMTC, KSRTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC, with the average hike coming to around 23% for KSRTC, and between 33% and 35% for BMTC. The revised fares will come into effect from November 4 midnight.

The fare revision is lower than the 45% increase recommended by the Public Transport Fare Regulatory Committee (PTFRC), chaired by retired IAS officer Atul Kumar Tiwari. The boards of the four transport corporations had sought a fare increase of up to 90%, according to Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh.

Announcing the decision on November 4, Mr. Suresh said that the hike covers ordinary, express, long-distance, and airport bus services. KSRTC ordinary bus fares have been increased by up to ₹9, depending on the distance travelled.

In Bengaluru, the fare from Nelamangala to Majestic will increase from ₹35 to ₹44, while the Doddaballapur–Majestic fare will go up from ₹38 to ₹47. The minimum stage-wise fare on BMTC buses has increased from ₹6 to ₹10.

The Hebbal–Kempegowda International Airport bus fare will go up from ₹175 to ₹200. KSRTC Express fares will rise from ₹81 to ₹100, while long-distance bus fares will increase from ₹75 to ₹90. Clarifying that the Shakti Scheme was not responsible for the financial difficulties faced by the transport corporations, Mr.

Suresh said the government of Karnataka reimburses them for the cost of free tickets issued to eligible women, although payments are sometimes delayed. He attributed the fare revision to rising diesel prices, increasing expenditure on spare parts and bus maintenance, and the need for wage revision for transport corporation employees.

The four transport corporations collectively incur annual losses of around ₹2,000 crore, he said, adding that periodic fare revisions were necessary to ensure their financial sustainability. He indicated that fares for premium services, including Vajra and Volvo buses, could be revised from time to time whenever required.

The announcement of the bus fare hike was marked by confusion during Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh’s press conference on November 4. As the Minister explained the revised fares on a stage-wise basis, reporters repeatedly sought clarity on the percentage-wise increase across different services.

Mr. Suresh requested the journalists to calculate the percentage increases themselves. The lack of clarity was evident among officials too, with managing directors and officials of the transport corporations appearing uncertain about some of the details of the revised fares.

When reporters sought an official press release outlining the revised fare structure, it was provided only after repeated requests. The Minister and officials were also seen discussing the fare details among themselves during the interaction.