2Photo© news18.com20% bus fare hike proposal stirs row over ‘Shakti’ scheme in Karnataka
The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has proposed a bus fare hike of up to 20 per cent following a reported loss of Rs 295 crore over the last three months. This decision has stirred controversy in the state as the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and others attributed the losses to the Shakti scheme, which offers free bus travel for women in Karnataka.
KSRTC Chairman SR Srinivas has emphasised the need to increase travel ticket prices to sustain operations amid rising inflation.
“A board meeting on Friday resolved to increase bus fares and bring this to the Chief Minister’s attention,” Srinivas said to news agency PTI. He highlighted the critical nature of bus services, pointing out the significant impact on communities when bus services are disrupted.