Karnataka's state-run Road Transport Corporation (RTC) bus fares are poised for an increase, Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh confirmed on Thursday in Bengaluru. He attributed the impending hike primarily to significant rises in diesel prices since the last fare revision.
Speaking to reporters, Minister Suresh elaborated that the government plans to assess the precise extent of the fare adjustment, taking into account the considerable jump in fuel costs. The final decision awaits approval from the state Cabinet. "We last adjusted bus ticket fares in December 2025," Suresh stated. "Since then, diesel prices have climbed by Rs 15 to Rs 16 per litre. We will deliberate on the proportion of this increase, submit our proposal, and implement the fare hike after Cabinet consent."
The Transport Minister revealed that all four state-run RTCs have received directives to submit detailed reports outlining their proposed fare revisions. These reports are expected by Thursday or Friday. "We sought reports from the RTCs regarding the fare increase. They are due today or tomorrow. We will then examine the appropriate quantum of the hike and whether regional variations are necessary," he explained. Suresh also questioned the viability of managing RTC operations without fare adjustments when fuel prices have seen multiple increases. "If the Centre has raised diesel prices five times and the Opposition argues against fare increases, how are we expected to sustain the RTCs?" he asked.
The government will consider both increased operating costs and the recommendations from the four RTCs before finalising the fare hike's magnitude. The proposal will then go to the government and subsequently to the Cabinet for the ultimate decision.
Karnataka's four state-run road transport corporations collectively operate 26,054 buses statewide. This network includes the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), which alone runs 7,067 buses, including electric models. The state boasts 3.81 buses per 1,000 people, significantly higher than the national average of 1.2. Notably, these RTCs are also awaiting Rs 5,650.95 crore in pending reimbursements from the state government for the Shakti scheme, which provides free bus travel for women, girls aged six and above, and transgender persons on non-luxury state buses.
Image: mangalorean.com
đź“° Source: Mangalorean News