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Bengaluru: KSRTC, BMTC bus fare hike likely this month

hellohimachalse@gmail.com 06 Oct 2026 1 day ago

Bengaluru: Bus travel in Karnataka could become more expensive this month, with the state government considering a fare revision for all four state-run transport corporations — KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC.

Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh has indicated that a fare revision is likely to be taken up soon. He had earlier informed the Legislative Assembly that the transport department was facing substantial financial losses and said the possibility of increasing bus fares would be discussed with officials.

A high-level committee headed by retired IAS officer Atul Tiwari, appointed to study the financial position of the transport corporations and recommend fare revisions, has completed its report and is expected to submit it to the government shortly.

The minister said the government would discuss the report with the Chief Minister after receiving it and seek Cabinet approval before implementing the revised fares. The transport corporations have been facing mounting financial pressure, particularly due to rising fuel costs. According to the information provided in the report, diesel prices have increased amid global conflicts and economic disruptions, adding to the operating expenses of the four corporations.

The report states that diesel prices have risen by around Rs 8 per litre over the past seven months, resulting in an additional burden of approximately Rs 40 crore per month, or Rs 480 crore annually, on the transport corporations. Officials are reportedly finding it increasingly difficult to arrange funds for the daily supply of diesel to buses.

The Atul Tiwari committee visited the offices and depots of all four corporations, including KSRTC and BMTC, and conducted a detailed study. It has prepared recommendations on the percentage increase in fares. If the Cabinet approves the recommendations, passengers could face higher fares as early as this month. The four state transport corporations have recorded losses over the past three financial years, with expenditure exceeding revenue.

In 2023-24, the corporations reported revenue of Rs 11,822.35 crore against expenditure of Rs 13,177.35 crore, resulting in a reported loss of Rs 1,354.48 crore. In 2024-25, revenue stood at Rs 13,753 crore, while expenditure was Rs 14,595 crore, resulting in a loss of Rs 842 crore.In 2025-26, the corporations recorded revenue of Rs 14,991 crore against expenditure of Rs 16,519 crore, with the reported loss rising to Rs 1,527 crore.The government’s decision on the proposed fare revision is expected after the committee submits its report and the Cabinet considers its recommendations.

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