Karnataka Forced To Hike Bus Fares To Negate Impact Of Freebie ‘Shakthi’ Scheme

The Karnataka government has announced a 15% hike in bus fares across all four state-run transport corporations: Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC), North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), and Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), effective January 5. This revision is expected to generate an additional revenue of Rs 7.84 crore per day for cash-strapped corporations. The fare hike comes amidst the state’s flagship Shakti scheme, which provides free bus travel for women on State-run buses. This scheme, which celebrated its first anniversary in June, costs the government approximately Rs 417 crore per month, with Rs 104 crore allocated to each corporation. The 15% fare increase is set to partially offset the scheme's financial burden. However, the fare hike has drawn criticism. The BJP has slammed the move, accusing the state government of burdening the public under the guise of its Panchbhagya schemes.