Water Hike Alert: Bengaluru Residents Brace For Costlier Bills As BWSSB Pushes For Tariff Revision By 40%

In the wake of New Year celebrations, Bengaluru residents are poised to face a hike in public utility costs. The government has proposed an increase in both bus fares and water bills, impacting the daily expenses of the common man. This move comes as a response to financial strains faced by local transportation corporations and the water board, signaling a significant shift in public service costs in the city.

Four transport corporations, including the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), are grappling with financial challenges. Consequently, they have requested permission to raise ticket prices post-Sankranti. It has been a decade since BMTC last increased its fares, and five years for KSRTC. The surge in petrol, diesel, and spare parts prices over the last four to five years has escalated operational costs, making fare increases seem inevitable to sustain these corporations.

The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is also under financial pressure, reporting a monthly loss of Rs 41 crore. The cost of supplying water is significantly higher than the revenue generated from water sales.

Currently, water is sold at prices ranging from Rs 25 to Rs 49, despite the board incurring Rs 52 per unit for provision. This discrepancy has led to a substantial financial gap, prompting the water board to appeal for a tariff increase.

In light of this, Bengaluru's Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) have engaged in discussions with the Deputy Chief Minister to deliberate on this proposed adjustment in water rates.