Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Sep 19: In view of the reduction in cess on diesel, under instructions from the chief minister, the transport department has reportedly decided to downwardly revise the hike in KSRTC bus fare to 15 or 16 percent from the previously proposed 18 percent.

As the diesel prices had witnessed a surge over the last several weeks, the transport corporations run by the government were incurring losses to the tune of about Rs 15 crore every month. They had approached the transport department, seeking a hike in bus fares. KSRTC had prepared to enhance the bus fare with effect from midnight on March 17 after the chief minister gave his nod for 18 percent hike. But hours later, the hike was stalled as the cess on diesel was brought down the same day. KSRTC has been getting diesel at a concessional rate on account of bulk purchase.

Transport minister, D C Thammanna, said that a final decision on the quantum of hike will be taken after holding discussions with the officials of the corporations and the chief minister.