Private bus fares in Karnataka are set to increase by 10 to 20 percent starting May 20, 2026. The announcement was made by Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, who clarified that the fare revision applies exclusively to operators holding All India Tourist Permits (AITP) issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Reason Behind the Fare Hike
The minister explained that the increase is necessitated by rising operational costs, including fuel prices, maintenance expenses, and employee wages. Operators with AITP permits are authorized to operate inter-state and intra-state tourist services, and the fare adjustment aims to sustain their businesses amid escalating costs.
Who Is Affected?
Only buses operating under the AITP category will see fare changes. Regular stage carriage buses, including government-run Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and other private non-tourist buses, are not affected by this hike. Passengers using tourist buses for long-distance travel, inter-city routes, or chartered services should expect higher fares from May 20.
- Fare increase range: 10% to 20%
- Effective date: May 20, 2026
- Applicable to: All India Tourist Permit (AITP) operators
- Not applicable to: KSRTC and regular private stage carriages
Government's Stance
Minister Ramalinga Reddy emphasized that the state government has not mandated the hike but acknowledges the operators' need to adjust fares due to market conditions. He urged passengers to verify permits and fare structures before booking to avoid confusion. The transport department will monitor compliance to ensure no unauthorized fare increases occur.
This development comes amid broader discussions on public transport affordability in Karnataka. While the hike may impact tourist travel budgets, regular commuters using standard bus services will not face additional charges. The government continues to subsidize KSRTC operations to keep essential travel affordable for the masses.
