KSRTC Fare Hike Warning: Passengers Face Fares Rising Up to 20% on Special Bus Services

With Diwali around the corner, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is gearing up to operate over 760 special buses from Bengaluru to the picturesque coastal regions. This initiative is aimed at accommodating the influx of travelers during the festive season, but it also raises concerns about potential disruptions in rural transport services.

In a bid to cater to the heightened demand, KSRTC's Puttur and Mangalore divisions have organised an extensive fleet of special buses set to operate from Bengaluru on November 30, with return trips scheduled for December 3. Specifically, 60 buses will be available to popular destinations such as Puttur, Sulya, Belthangadi, Dharmasthala, and Kukke Subrahmanya, while the Mangalore division will deploy an additional 50 buses to Mangalore, Udupi, and Kundapura.

Despite the efforts to enhance bus services, there are apprehensions regarding the impact on rural transportation. The previous Dussehra festival saw local transport in rural areas hampered, causing considerable issues for residents. In response to these concerns, KSRTC officials have assured travelers that extra measures will be implemented to avoid similar inconveniences. Notably, they have stated that additional buses will be on standby, particularly in anticipation of the Chief Minister's forthcoming visit to Puttur on November 2.

As travelers prepare for their journeys, they should be aware that fare increases are anticipated across various modes of transportation. KSRTC officials have raised concerns regarding the rationale behind these hikes, acknowledging that the operation of special services incurs additional costs. For instance, a bus travelling back to Bengaluru from the coast often returns empty, creating logistical challenges that contribute to fare increases of approximately 20%.

In contrast, private bus operators are reportedly charging exorbitant fares that can be up to four times higher than usual rates, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among travelers. The heightened fares have prompted calls for regulatory measures to address and control these excessive rates, ensuring a fairer travel experience during the festive season.

For Diwali 2024, private tourist bus fares from Bengaluru to Mangalore are expected to fluctuate between Rs 1,500 and Rs 3,249, while airfares have soared significantly. On November 30, tickets for flights from Bengaluru to Mangalore have jumped from Rs 3,829 to Rs 5,620. Return flights from Mangalore to Bengaluru on December 3 are priced between Rs 5,153 and a staggering Rs 17,757.

As the holiday approaches, travelers are encouraged to make arrangements early to avoid the frustration of inflated fares and full buses. Both the KSRTC and private transport operators are bracing for the dual challenges presented by the Diwali festivities and the weekend rush. In this context, KSRTC remains committed to ensuring that passengers traveling to coastal destinations can do so with minimal hassle.

Jaishanth Kumar, the Traffic Controller for KSRTC Puttur, reiterated the agency's focus on maintaining smooth transportation for both urban and rural populations, thereby highlighting the importance of effective planning and communication during this busy travel period.