Bus Fare Hike: Government can't keep giving subsidies endlessly, says Minister Cheluvarayaswamy

Bengaluru: Responding to questions on the recent bus fare hike, Karnataka Agriculture Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy defended the move, stating that the government cannot endlessly subsidize state transport corporations. He drew comparisons to rising commodity prices, asking, “If mutton prices rise from Rs 100 to Rs 500, don’t people still buy it?”

During a media interaction, the minister argued that essential goods like rice, oil, pulses, and even clothing continue to be purchased despite rising prices. “When diesel prices increase, you don’t stop buying it. Similarly, how can the government endlessly fund KSRTC? Criticizing such decisions isn’t justified,” he remarked.

Lower Fares Compared to Neighboring States

Cheluvarayaswamy highlighted that Karnataka’s bus fares are still lower compared to other states. “For instance, if the fare is Rs 84 here, it is Rs 140 in Andhra Pradesh. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana charge around 50% more than us,” he said.

He also addressed concerns about urban-rural fare differences. “Urban and rural fares differ significantly, but for transport corporations to function efficiently and provide proper infrastructure, periodic fare revisions are necessary. Ideally, fares should be reviewed every 2-3 years, but neglecting revisions for 10-15 years has caused problems,” he added.

Defending the hike further, the minister emphasized that bus fares in Karnataka hadn’t been revised in over a decade. “We’ve implemented the 7th Pay Commission recommendations for employee salaries and are extending concessions to students, senior citizens, and the differently-abled. Free travel is only for women,” he clarified.

The minister stated that fare revisions were inevitable and overdue. Comparing Karnataka’s fares with other states, he asserted that the move was reasonable and justified.