From Nandini Milk To Bus Tickets: Karnataka Households Face Back-To-Back Price Hikes; Check New Rates

Karnataka commuters are set to face another price increase just days before Diwali, with the state government raising fares across its four public transport corporations. The revised rates for the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and other state-run bus services will come into effect from midnight on November 4.

The hike will impact both general and deluxe buses, with BMTC fare hikes of 32-35 per cent, and fares for all other state-run corporations, including KSRTC, rising by an average of 23 per cent. Commuters will have to pay anywhere between Rs 9 more on KSRTC buses and Rs 10 more on BMTC city buses, depending on the service.

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The decision comes shortly after KMF raised the price of Nandini milk by Rs 8 per litre and the price of curd by Rs 14 per litre. The consecutive price hikes have further made life difficult for households, especially those who travel in buses on a daily basis.

BMTC, KSRTC Bus Fare Hike: What Changes For Passengers?

The hike would be extended to four state transport corporations - KSRTC, BMTC, North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC).

The minimum fare for regular BMTC buses in Bengaluru has jumped from Rs 6 to Rs 10, while the maximum fare has gone up from Rs 35 to Rs 45. The maximum fare of air-conditioned Vajra buses has increased from Rs 75 to Rs 90, while that of Vayu Vajra airport services will go up from Rs 405 to Rs 425.

Passengers travelling outside Bengaluru will also face higher fares. Some revised route fares include:

The revised charges will vary according to the distance and category of bus service.

Why Has Karnataka Increased Bus Fares?

Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh attributed the decision to rising operating expenses, particularly diesel prices, employee salaries, dearness allowance and vehicle maintenance costs.

The four transport corporations are also facing substantial financial pressure, with their combined accumulated losses estimated at around Rs 10,200 crore. The government has maintained that the revision is intended to reduce these losses and ensure the corporations can continue operating their services.

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The minister also pointed out that Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra had increased their bus fares, citing the rising cost of running public transport services.

Will Women Continue To Travel Free Under The Shakti Scheme?

Despite the fare revision, the Karnataka government's Shakti scheme will continue. Eligible women can still travel free of cost on non-luxury buses operated by the four state-run transport corporations.

Suresh said the scheme was not responsible for the corporations' financial losses, maintaining that the government reimburses them for tickets issued to women passengers. Around 74.40 lakh women use the free travel facility every day, according to the minister.

The latest bus fare increase marks another expense for Karnataka households following the recent revision in Nandini milk and curd prices. For daily commuters, particularly those travelling across Bengaluru and between cities, the higher ticket prices will add to regular travel costs.