Karnataka cabinet approves 15% hike in state-run bus fares, BJP criticizes move

The Karnataka cabinet has decided to increase bus fares for the state-owned transport corporations by 15%, effective January 5, 2025. The decision, aimed at offsetting rising operational costs, was announced by Karnataka Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil on Thursday.

Patil cited increased expenditure on fuel and staff wages as the primary reasons for the hike. He explained that the move is expected to generate an additional ₹74.85 crore monthly and ₹784 crore annually for the four state transport corporations—KSRTC, NWKRTC, KKRTC, and BMTC.

The minister also justified the hike by comparing the current diesel prices and consumption levels with those from a decade ago. “In 2015, diesel prices were ₹60.90 per litre, and daily diesel consumption by the corporations was ₹9.16 crore. Today, consumption has risen to ₹13.21 crore daily,” he said. Similarly, daily staff expenditures have increased from ₹12.95 crore to ₹18.36 crore.

Despite the fare hike, the state government emphasized that the ‘Shakti’ scheme, which provides free bus rides for women in non-luxury state-run buses, will remain unaffected. Patil clarified that the government has earmarked ₹5,015 crore for the scheme in the current fiscal year and is providing ₹417.92 crore as a monthly grant to the corporations.

The minister assured the public that the hike will not strain state finances. “This revision ensures that neither the transport corporations go bankrupt nor the government exchequer empties. Karnataka continues to lead in financial management,” he stated.

The opposition BJP, however, criticized the Congress-led government for the decision. BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra took to social media to condemn the fare hike, accusing the government of being anti-people. “The claim of free rides for women will inevitably burden men. The fare hike is unscientific and anti-people,” he said. Vijayendra further alleged that the government’s failure to allocate adequate funds for its flagship ‘Shakti’ scheme had forced the transport corporations into losses.

Patil defended the decision, stating that Karnataka’s fares, even after the hike, remain lower than neighboring states such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra. He also highlighted the clearance of ₹2,000 crore in provident fund dues as a step toward financial stability for the transport corporations.

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While the fare revision has sparked political debate, the government maintains that it was a necessary measure to sustain the transport sector amid rising costs.