Toll burden on Kasaragod–Mangaluru KSRTC passengers: Bus fare increased by Rs 7

Toll burden on Kasaragod–Mangaluru KSRTC passengers: Bus fare increased by Rs 7

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, January 22, 2026: With toll collection beginning at Kumble Arikkady, the fare for Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses operating between Kasaragod and Mangaluru has been increased, adding to the financial burden on passengers.

Passengers traveling through the toll booth on the inter-state highway are now required to pay an additional ₹7 over the existing fare. The ticket price from Kasaragod to Mangaluru, which was earlier ₹81, has now been revised to ₹88. Notably, even passengers who alight at the first stop immediately after crossing the toll plaza are required to pay the increased fare.

KSRTC has clarified that the fare hike has been made unavoidable due to the commencement of toll collection at Kumble. “Each bus traveling from Kasaragod to Mangaluru has to pay around ₹220 as toll on every trip. The fare has been increased to offset this additional expense,” officials stated. At present, 43 Karnataka buses operate on this route, each making seven trips a day.

A large section of Kasaragod residents depend on Mangaluru for education and employment and mostly travel by Karnataka buses. The sudden fare hike has therefore triggered strong resentment and disappointment among daily commuters.