After fuel and milk prices, now fares of state-run buses may rise in Karnataka

The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) says the fares were last revised in 2009, when diesel cost around Rs 60 per litre.

At a recent a meeting of the KSRTC Board, officials are learnt to have put forward the proposal highlighting the increase in the corporation’s operating cost, which resulted in Rs 295 crore losses in the last quarter. (Express archives)

Less than a month after the state government hiked the petrol and diesel prices by revising sales tax, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation has proposed a revision in its bus fares.

At a recent a meeting of the KSRTC Board, officials are learnt to have put forward the proposal highlighting the increase in the corporation’s operating cost, which resulted in Rs 295 crore losses in the last quarter.

KSRTC Chairman S R Srinivas told reporters at Tumakuru that the KSRTC Board had passed a resolution seeking a revision in fares.

“The last fare revision took place in 2019, when the diesel price was around Rs 60 per litre. Today, it is Rs 93. Moreover, spare part prices have increased and we have to provide all amenities to employees,” he said.

The wage revision for KSRTC employees every four years is also a factor behind the resolution, according to Srinivas. Though a wage hike should have been effected in 2020, it was not done. “Therefore, we have to do it in 2024,” he said.

“If the fares are not revised, the corporation will be in trouble,” Srinivas added.

The fare revision will also help the KSRTC buy new buses after retiring old ones in its fleet of around 8,000.

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The proposed hike comes after a revision in fuel prices in the second week of June, which came under fire from Opposition parties.

Apart from this, the Government’s decision to raise milk prices while also increasing the quantity of milk supplied in the 500-ml and 1-litre packets was condemned by the public.

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