Karnataka RTC fares likely to rise as diesel prices surge

BENGALURU, Oct 1: Bus fares in Karnataka are likely to increase, with Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh indicating that the state government is considering a fare revision for the state-run Road Transport Corporations (RTCs) following a sharp rise in diesel prices.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Thursday, Suresh said diesel prices had increased by ₹15–16 per litre since the last bus fare revision in December 2025.

The minister said all four state-run transport corporations had been asked to submit detailed proposals on the proposed fare hike. The reports are expected to reach the government on Thursday or Friday, after which the government will examine the extent of the increase.

The final decision will be taken after Cabinet approval, Suresh said.

He also indicated that the fare increase may not necessarily be uniform across the state. The government is examining whether fares should vary depending on regions and operating costs.

“The bus ticket fare was increased in December 2025. Since then, diesel prices have increased by Rs 15 to Rs 16 per litre,” Suresh said.

Defending the proposed revision, the minister said the transport corporations would find it difficult to absorb repeated increases in fuel costs without adjusting fares.

The proposed fare hike also comes against the backdrop of the financial burden faced by the four RTCs due to the Shakti scheme. Under the scheme, women, girls aged six years and above, and transgender persons are entitled to free travel on non-luxury state-run buses.

The transport corporations have been seeking reimbursement from the state government for revenue foregone under the scheme, with pending dues reportedly running into thousands of crores of rupees.

Karnataka's four state-run RTCs operate thousands of buses across the state, while the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) provides bus services in Bengaluru.

Suresh did not specify the percentage or amount of the proposed fare increase. The quantum will be decided after the corporations submit their recommendations and the government examines them.

The revised fares will come into effect only after the state government takes a final decision and the Cabinet approves the proposal.