Private Bus Operators in Dakshina Kannada Likely to Hike Fares Amid Rising Diesel Costs
Mangalore Today News Network
Mangaluru, May 17, 2026: Private bus operators in Dakshina Kannada district are considering a hike in passenger fares following the sharp rise in diesel prices and other operational expenses.
A meeting of the Dakshina Kannada Bus Owners’ Association has been scheduled on May 19 to discuss and finalise the proposed fare revision.
According to industry sources, increasing fuel prices have significantly added to the operational burden on private bus services. Operators across Karnataka are reportedly considering a 20 to 30 per cent fare hike, with some routes already witnessing revised ticket rates.
On the Bengaluru-Mangaluru route, fares that were earlier around ₹899 have reportedly increased to between ₹1,100 and ₹1,200.
Bus operators said each private bus consumes nearly 150 litres of diesel daily, and the recent fuel price rise has increased operating costs by nearly ₹450 per trip. They said rising maintenance costs, staff salaries and permit-related expenses have further strained the sector.
The Karnataka State Private Bus Owners’ Association has also linked the increase in fuel prices to ongoing tensions in West Asia and volatility in global energy markets.
The proposed fare hike is expected to affect daily commuters, students and long-distance passengers who rely heavily on private transport services. Commuters have expressed concern over the additional financial burden amid rising living costs and inflation.
Operators also pointed to challenges posed by the government’s Shakti scheme, which provides free bus travel for women in state-run buses, impacting private transport revenue.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said there is no proposal to increase fares for state-run buses operated by KSRTC.
He stated that any decision on revising fares for buses operating under state permits must be taken at the district level by a committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner. The minister added that only operators holding All India Tourist Permits (AITP) are currently increasing fares and that the government is monitoring the situation.
Apart from private buses, transport charges in other sectors are also expected to rise. Education transport services have reportedly increased charges by up to 10 per cent, while fares for tourist vehicles and passenger transport services may rise by 10 to 15 per cent in the coming days. Discussions are also underway regarding possible fare revisions for cab aggregator services such as Ola and Uber.