The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has announced a temporary increase in bus fares on the Bengaluru-Mysuru route in view of the upcoming Dasara festivities. The hike, which ranges from ₹20 to ₹30 depending on the category of service, came into effect on September 26 and will remain in place until October 8, coinciding with the close of the festival.
As per the revised fares, passengers travelling by Karnataka Sarige Vaibhav services will now pay ₹190 instead of the earlier ₹170. Non-stop services have been increased from ₹210 to ₹240, Rajahamsa fares from ₹270 to ₹290, Airavata services from ₹430 to ₹450, and Airavata Club Class from ₹440 to ₹460. The corporation has clarified that this revision is strictly limited to the Bengaluru-Mysuru corridor and does not extend to other routes operated by KSRTC.
Officials explained that the practice of introducing special fares during Dasara and other major holidays has been in place for nearly two decades. The increase, they said, is necessary because many of the buses operating on this route run on one-way traffic during the festival, often returning empty or with very few passengers. Despite this, operating costs remain the same as additional vehicles are mobilised from other divisions. The temporary fare hike, therefore, helps to balance out the additional expenses incurred in managing the heavy festive traffic and ensures smoother services for the public.
The transport department also emphasised that the fare hike is in accordance with government notifications that permit KSRTC to levy higher charges on special occasions, holidays, and fairs. The arrangement applies to express, non-stop, and premium services on the Bengaluru-Mysuru route during the festival period. Passengers have been urged to take note of the revised fares in advance so they are aware of the costs before beginning their journeys.
With these measures in place, KSRTC aims to manage the festive rush efficiently while also maintaining the viability of its operations. The revised fares will remain applicable until the conclusion of Dasara on October 8.
