Karnataka Confirms No Bus Fare Hike for 2026

The Karnataka government has announced that there will be no fare increase for buses operated by the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) in 2026. The move provides relief to lakhs of commuters who rely on these public transport services daily.

Under the Shakti Yojana, women passengers will continue to travel free on government buses across the state. This announcement comes after last year’s 15% fare revision in January 2025 had sparked widespread dissatisfaction among daily commuters.

Committee Yet to Be Formed

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy clarified that ticket prices will remain unchanged for now. Any decision on future fare revisions will be made only after a committee is formed and submits its recommendations.

Annual Review Planned

The state government had earlier planned an annual review of bus fares. The committee, once constituted, will assess operational costs and financial performance to recommend whether fares should be increased or reduced. Since the committee has not yet been formed in 2026, fare levels will remain stable for the time being.

Relief for Daily Commuters

Male passengers, in particular, benefit from the fare freeze, as women already travel free under the Shakti scheme. The announcement brings financial relief to a wide range of commuters, including:

• Working professionals
• Students
• Middle-class families
• Daily wage earners

What This Means for 2026

• No fare hike for BMTC and KSRTC buses this year
• No immediate revision from January to mid-2026
• Committee to be formed in the coming months
• Next potential fare revision likely in 2027

Stability and Convenience for Commuters

With fares remaining unchanged, commuters across Karnataka can plan their travel without concern for sudden price increases. The decision ensures predictable and affordable public transport for daily travelers, supporting both economic and social stability across the state. The government’s move also reinforces confidence in BMTC and KSRTC services while waiting for a structured fare review next year.