Commuters across Karnataka will have to pay more for public transport as the state government has announced a fare hike across all four state-run transport corporations. The revised fares came into effect from midnight on November 4, 2026, increasing travel costs for passengers using Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and other state-operated bus services.
In Bengaluru, the minimum fare for ordinary BMTC buses has increased from Rs 6 to Rs 10, while the maximum fare has gone up from Rs 35 to Rs 45. The revised rates will also affect passengers travelling on premium and airport bus services.
Higher Fares Across BMTC Services
The fare revision will impact different categories of BMTC buses. The maximum fare for air-conditioned Vajra services has increased from Rs 75 to Rs 90. Meanwhile, passengers using Vayu Vajra airport services will now pay up to Rs 425, compared with the earlier maximum fare of Rs 405.
Several popular routes in Bengaluru will also become more expensive. The fare from Majestic to Shivajinagar has increased from Rs 12 to Rs 18, while the journey from Majestic to Yeshwanthpur will now cost Rs 25 instead of Rs 18. Travel from Majestic to Banashankari will cost Rs 35, up from Rs 23.
KSRTC and Other Transport Corporations Also Affected
The fare increase applies to all four state-run transport corporations: KSRTC, BMTC, North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC).
According to Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh, KSRTC fares have increased by an average of 23 per cent, while BMTC fares have risen by approximately 33 to 35 per cent. The maximum increase on KSRTC services has been capped at Rs 9, with the actual revision depending on the distance travelled and category of service.
For example, the KSRTC Express fare from Bengaluru to Mysuru has increased from Rs 160 to Rs 197. The fare to Kolar and Tumakuru has risen from Rs 81 to Rs 100, while travelling to Mandya will now cost Rs 136 instead of Rs 110.
Rising Operational Costs Behind the Decision
Explaining the decision, Byrathi Suresh said the fare revision was necessary because of increasing diesel prices, employee salaries, dearness allowance and maintenance expenses. He maintained that the objective was not to generate profits but to reduce the financial burden on the transport corporations and ensure their continued operations.
The four corporations have reportedly accumulated losses of approximately Rs 10,200 crore, with outstanding liabilities and dues of nearly Rs 9,912 crore as of September 30, 2026. The government also highlighted that a significant portion of their operating expenditure goes towards fuel and employee-related costs.
The minister further pointed out that Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra had also revised their public transport fares, citing rising operational expenses.
Shakti Scheme to Continue
Despite the fare revision, the Karnataka government’s Shakti scheme will continue. Under the scheme, eligible women domiciled in Karnataka can travel free of cost on non-luxury government buses across the state.
The government has maintained that reimbursements for tickets issued under the scheme are provided to the transport corporations. According to the transport minister, around 74.40 lakh women benefit from free bus travel every day.
With the revised fares now in force, regular commuters and other passengers will have to adjust to higher transportation costs. The government has defended the move as necessary to improve the financial condition of state-run transport services and maintain their long-term sustainability.
