Bengaluru
oi-Madhuri Adnal
Bus fares in Karnataka are likely to increase again, with the state government considering a fare revision for KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC.
Transport Minister Bairati Suresh had earlier told the Assembly that the four transport corporations were facing heavy losses and that he would discuss a fare hike with officials.
Karnataka’s transport corporations (KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, KKRTC) may see bus fares increase due to significant losses, including Rs 1,354.48 crore in 2023-24, and rising diesel costs following an expert panel’s percentage-based hike recommendation awaiting cabinet approval.
A committee headed by retired IAS officer Atul Kumar Tiwari has completed its study of the financial condition of the four corporations and their fare structure. The committee is expected to submit its report to the government soon.
Suresh said the government will discuss the recommendations with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah before seeking Cabinet approval. Any new fare will be implemented only after the Cabinet clears the proposal.
The four corporations have reported losses for the past three years.
In 2023-24, the corporations recorded revenue of Rs 11,822.35 crore against expenses of Rs 13,177.35 crore, resulting in a loss of Rs 1,354.48 crore.
In 2024-25, revenue stood at Rs 13,753 crore, while expenditure reached Rs 14,595 crore, leaving a loss of Rs 842 crore.
In 2025-26, revenue increased to Rs 14,991 crore, but expenditure rose to Rs 16,519 crore, taking the loss to Rs 1,527 crore.
Rising diesel prices have added to the financial pressure. The government has said repeated fuel price increases have pushed up the operating costs of KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC.
According to the figures cited by the minister, the increase in diesel prices has added a burden of around Rs 8,000 crore annually on the four corporations.
The Atul Tiwari Committee has recommended a percentage-based increase in fares after studying the operations and finances of the four corporations. The exact fare hike has not yet been announced.
If approved, the increase would come after the four corporations raised ticket prices by 15% in January last year.
A fresh hike would directly affect daily commuters across Karnataka, particularly those who depend on state-run buses for regular travel.
