From Free To Fee? Karnataka Contemplates Fare Increase Amid Rising Costs

Providing free bus service to women in Karnataka has been costly for the state government. As a result, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) incurred a loss of Rs 295 crore. Now, the corporation has submitted a proposal to the state government, requesting a 15-20 percent increase in bus fares.

NWKRTC chairman and Congress MLA Raju Kage claimed that the Shakti scheme, which offers free bus travel for women in the state, was causing NWKRTC to incur losses. KSRTC chairman and Congress MLA SR Srinivas stated in Tumkur that the board decided to increase bus fares during their meeting.

SR Srinivas said, "We held a board meeting the day before yesterday and proposed a bus fare increase, informing the CM about it." He explained, "Diesel prices have risen, and bus parts are more expensive. We also need to increase employee salaries, which were due for revision in 2020 but haven't been adjusted yet. Prices for oil and spare parts have gone up."

He said, "Buses are essential services. If a driver doesn't come, a village won't have bus service that day, and people will be unhappy with us. Despite the Shakti Yojana, we have incurred a loss of 295 crores in the last 3 months." The Congress MLA stated, "We are asking for a 15-20% increase in bus fares. We need to see how much the CM approves. If he doesn't approve the hike, KSRTC won't survive."

NWKRTC chairman and Congress MLA Raju Kage said, "We need to revise bus fares. We haven't increased them in the last 10 years. Prices for diesel, petrol, oil, and tires have all gone up, so we are considering raising the bus fares."

He said, "The North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation is experiencing losses, but we are still managing it. Despite the losses from the Shakti Yojana, one of the five guarantees, the government is keeping it afloat."

Congress MLA and NWKRTC chairman Raju Kage admitted that his department is facing losses because of the Shakti Guarantee Scheme. He said the government plans to increase bus fares.

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