Karnataka: Karnataka Minister HK Patil on Thursday announced a 15% increase in ticket prices for all Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses. The hike will be effective from January 5, 2025, for all bus-related services across 4 Road Transport Corporations (RTCs) in the state –
Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC)
Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC)
North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC)
Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC)
The hike in bus fare is expected to generate an additional Rs 74.85 monthly revenue and approx. Rs 784 crore yearly revenue. The move reportedly aims to partially counterbalance the financial burden of Karnataka’s flagship Shakti scheme (Free Travel For Women On state-run buses) launched in 2023.
“This 15% has been increased due to deficit currently faced by the corporation. With this hike, there will be a return of Rs 74.84 crores monthly,” Patil said.
The update on bus fare comes after a 10-year gap to cover the surging operational costs of KSRTC. Similar fare hikes were implemented in other corporations 5 years ago when diesel prices were significantly lower, Patil added.
However, Karnataka Govt’s move faced criticism in the state assembly. Karnataka Assembly LoP, R Ashoka has slammed the decision warning to carry out a state-wide protest on Saturday, January 4, 2025.
“It is free for the wife but double for the husband,” he added.
