MSRTC Raises Bus Fares 13.65% — Seasonal Surcharge Now Permanent

The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has increased bus fares by 13.65 per cent from Friday midnight, replacing the temporary 10 per cent seasonal surcharge with a permanent fare revision. The hike, approved by the State Transport Authority, is aimed at addressing rising operational costs.

According to MSRTC, the revision was necessitated by higher diesel prices linked to the West Asia conflict, increased employee allowances, and rising expenditure on vehicle maintenance, spare parts, and tyres. The corporation stated that the move would help ensure continued provision of safe and reliable transport services.

State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced the decision, stating that the fare revision had become unavoidable to maintain the corporation's financial sustainability while keeping services uninterrupted. “Care has been taken to minimise the financial burden on passengers while implementing this hike,” Sarnaik said, adding that the revision was necessary to strengthen the financial position of the state-run transport undertaking.

The revision replaces a temporary surcharge that had been in place for seasonal demand. The permanent hike is expected to generate additional revenue for MSRTC, which has been grappling with financial challenges. The corporation operates a fleet of over 18,000 buses across Maharashtra, serving millions of passengers daily.

Passenger associations have expressed concern over the impact on commuters, particularly those in rural and semi-urban areas where MSRTC is a primary mode of transport. However, officials have assured that the hike has been calibrated to minimise burden while ensuring service quality.