Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy justified the state government’s decision to increase bus fares by 15% across all categories, citing the need to revise salaries for transport staff. The move has sparked protests, with the opposition BJP leading the charge, accusing the government of burdening common citizens.
Speaking to reporters, Minister Reddy defended the fare hike as inevitable, given the demands from all four transport corporations—the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC), North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), and Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC). The decision was finalized in a cabinet meeting on Thursday.
The fare hike comes amidst increasing scrutiny of the government’s flagship Shakti scheme, which provides free bus rides for women in state-run buses. While the initiative has been praised for promoting gender equity and mobility, transport corporations have reportedly struggled to manage operational costs due to the revenue shortfall caused by the scheme.
Also Read: Free Bus Service for Women Impacts Hyderabad Metro Ridership
Critics argue that the financial burden of offering free rides has backfired, forcing the government to shift the weight onto paying commuters through fare increases. The minister did not directly address these claims but emphasized that the hike was primarily to address rising costs, including staff salaries.
Reddy pointed out that the last major revision in bus fares occurred in January 2020 under the BJP government, which raised fares by 12%. He also recalled that during his earlier tenure as Transport Minister in 2014, bus fares were reduced by 2% following a drop in diesel prices, highlighting the government’s willingness to adjust fares based on economic conditions.
However, the BJP has slammed the current hike, accusing the government of mismanagement and neglecting the financial well-being of ordinary citizens. “The Shakti scheme has turned into a liability, and now commuters are paying the price,” a BJP spokesperson said during a protest in Bengaluru.
Transport unions have welcomed the salary revision but expressed concerns over the public backlash. Meanwhile, the government is facing growing calls to review the Shakti scheme’s financial sustainability and its impact on the state’s transport infrastructure.
With the fare hike now in effect, the government will need to address public dissatisfaction while ensuring the viability of its ambitious welfare programs.
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