Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar opposed the increase in fares for state buses, blaming the rise in gasoline and diesel fuel prices. He stated that the financial burden on transport corporations is increasing due to the higher cost of fuel. However, he emphasized that the state government is ready to reduce travel costs if the federal government lowers energy prices.
During a conversation with journalists in Bangalore, DK Shivakumar revealed that last week there was a situation where there wasn't even enough money to refuel the buses with diesel, which forced the government to provide financial assistance. He noted that despite providing free travel, transport corporations are constantly operating at a loss.
Shivakumar clarified: 'A few days ago, there was no money even to refuel the buses with diesel. The government had to allocate funds. We provided the service of free travel, but we are running at a loss. Fares were increased by two and three rupees incrementally due to the rise in diesel fuel prices.'
Questions to the federal government regarding inflation
The minister also questioned the protesters against the fare increase. He asked why people did not protest when the prices of gasoline, diesel fuel, and gas for cooking were rising. Shivakumar reminded that medicines, pesticides, and other essential goods, as well as fertilizers and cement, have become more expensive, but no one raised issues about these matters. He also raised the issue of price differences when buying and selling medicines.
Need for support for farmers and transport corporations
DK Shivakumar stressed that 2.5 million farmers live in the state who are struggling to survive, and the difficulties of the farmers have been exacerbated by drought. In such a period, he believes that transport companies also need financial support to ensure the continuity of services. The minister stated: 'Lower the prices of gasoline and diesel, and we will lower the bus fares. There is no problem with this.'
He called on this message to be conveyed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, insisting on the need to take measures to reduce excise duties on gasoline and diesel fuel. The state is ready to reduce travel costs proportionally to the reduction in fuel prices.
Increase will come into effect on November 5th
The Karnataka government announced the fare increase for four state road transport corporations on November 4th. According to Transport Minister Baiyari Suresh, the average KSRTC fare was increased by 23 percent, and the fares of the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) by approximately 32–35 percent. The new rates will take effect from November 5th. The government justified this decision by the rise in fuel prices, personnel expenses, and the losses of the transport corporations.
