Private bus fares rise after KSRTC hike; commuters face holiday burden

Popular routes connecting Bengaluru with Mangaluru, Hubballi and Belagavi have seen a surge as demand for tickets increases during the festive season. | Photo credit: K. MURALI KUMAR

Commuters from Bengaluru to various destinations in Karnataka and other neighboring states are facing a steep hike in private bus fares following the recent price hike by state transport companies, adding to their financial burden during the festive season when demand for travel is high.

Private bus operators have significantly hiked fares on several routes, with commuters claiming that fares have gone up disproportionately, especially on weekends and holidays. Popular routes connecting Bengaluru with Mangaluru, Hubballi and Belagavi have seen a surge as demand for tickets increases during the festive season.

A private bus operator, who did not want to be named, said the increase in operating costs had forced the private operators to adjust their fares. As both public and private transport services depend on the same road infrastructure, rising fuel prices and other operating costs have affected both sectors.

“The state government has cited an increase in diesel prices by more than ₹10 per liter as one of the main reasons for the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) price hike. Private operators are facing the same fuel price burden and have had to adjust their tariffs to maintain operational viability and profit margins,” he said.

Another private bus operator pointed out that a 5% increase in national motorway toll charges, together with high annual vehicle road taxes, had further increased operating costs and put further pressure on the industry.

However, commuters are questioning the steep hike in private bus fares, especially after the revision of government bus fares. They alleged that operators are taking advantage of KSRTC bus fare hike, festive season and increased demand to charge exorbitant fares.

Sangeetha M. from RT Nagar in Bengaluru, who was trying to book a bus ticket to Mangaluru, said she was shocked to find that the fare had increased by between ₹2,500 and ₹3,000.

“I wanted to book a flight to Mangaluru, but the fares have gone up to ₹2,500-3,000. Such spikes make travel during festivals increasingly unaffordable for common travellers,” she said.

Meanwhile, a transport ministry official said private operators who hold All India Tourist Permits (AITPs) have the autonomy to dynamically adjust fares based on market demand and operational conditions.

“However, harassing commuters by charging exorbitant fares and cheating passengers with exorbitant fares cannot be tolerated. We will conduct checks and take appropriate action against violations,” the official said.

Published – 05 Nov 2026 18:59 IST