Bus fare hike imminent, says minister

Bengaluru: Karnataka is set to increase bus fares in less than two years as a statutory committee is expected to submit its report to the government in a day or two, Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh said on Wednesday.The three-member Public Transport Fare Regulatory Committee (PTFRC), chaired by retired IAS officer Atul Kumar Tiwari, was formed under Chapter 5A of the Karnataka Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989.It has reviewed the financial condition of the four State Transport Undertakings (STUs), after they sought a fare hike in early June citing higher diesel prices and employee wages.The STUs last raised fares by 15% from January 5, 2025.Hebbal hospital to be ready in 13 months: Byrathi SureshSpeaking to reporters after holding a meeting with Home Minister Priyank Kharge, Suresh said a fare hike had become inevitable as the corporations were facing severe financial difficulties.Suresh said the BJP-led Centre had increased diesel prices four times in the past year, resulting in a per-litre price hike of Rs 15-16 and annual losses of Rs 8,000 crore.The committee’s report will be placed before the Cabinet for discussion, following which fares will be revised after obtaining the chief minister’s approval, he stated.The minister had earlier promised that the hike would be “modest” given the drought situation in the state.

Source: Deccan Herald