Karnataka Hikes BMTC and KSRTC Bus Fares; New Rates Effective November 4, 2026

The Karnataka government has revised bus fares across all four state-run transport corporations, with the new rates taking effect from midnight on November 4, 2026, as per news reports.

The revision covers BMTC, KSRTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC services. The average increase is around 23% for KSRTC and between 33% and 35% for BMTC. 

Revised Fares Across Bus Services 

In Bengaluru, the minimum BMTC bus fare has increased from ₹6 to ₹10, while the maximum fare has risen from ₹35 to ₹45. The maximum fare for AC Vajra buses will go up from ₹75 to ₹90. Vayu Vajra services to Kempegowda International Airport will now cost up to ₹425, against the earlier ₹405. 

KSRTC ordinary bus fares have increased by up to ₹9, depending on the distance travelled. The Nelamangala–Majestic fare has been revised from ₹35 to ₹44, while the Doddaballapur–Majestic fare will rise from ₹38 to ₹47. 

Express bus fares have increased from ₹81 to ₹100, while long-distance fares have gone up from ₹75 to ₹90. The Hebbal–Kempegowda International Airport BMTC fare will increase from ₹175 to ₹200. 

Fare Hike Below Committee Recommendation 

Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh announced the revision on November 4. He said the fare increase was lower than the 45% hike recommended by the Public Transport Fare Regulatory Committee, chaired by retired IAS officer Atul Kumar Tiwari. 

According to the minister, the boards of the four transport corporations had sought fare increases of up to 90%. Fares for premium services, including Rajahamsa and AC buses, were fixed after considering market prices. 

Rising Costs and Financial Losses 

Suresh attributed the increase to higher diesel prices, rising expenditure on spare parts and bus maintenance, and pending wage revisions for employees. The four transport corporations together report annual losses of around ₹2,000 crore. 

He also cited fare increases in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra while explaining the decision. 

Shakti Scheme Unchanged 

The government will continue providing free travel to eligible women on non-luxury state-run buses under the Shakti scheme.  

Minister Suresh noted that the scheme was not responsible for the corporations' financial difficulties, as the government reimburses the cost of tickets issued under it. 

Read More: Central Government Proposes New Import Locations in 5 States for Drugs, Medical Devices and Cosmetics! 

Conclusion  

The fare revision covers ordinary, express, long-distance and airport bus services. Free travel for eligible women under the Shakti scheme will continue on non-luxury government buses. 

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