Private Bus Fares Surge on Key Karnataka Routes Amid Weekend Holiday Rush

Private bus operators have significantly increased ticket prices on key routes from Bengaluru to Mangaluru, Belagavi, and other regional hubs. The price surge coincides with the extended Republic Day weekend and the ongoing school vacation period, which has led to a sharp rise in passenger traffic across the state.

The Transport Department and local authorities are facing renewed calls from the public to monitor and regulate private bus pricing. While the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) continues to operate scheduled services, high demand has resulted in limited seat availability, leaving many commuters dependent on private carriers.

Fares on the Bengaluru–Mangaluru route have reached approximately ₹2,000. Under normal operating conditions, tickets for this coastal corridor typically range between ₹900 and ₹1,200. The current pricing represents a near-doubling of standard rates for last-minute travellers.

On the Bengaluru–Belagavi route in northern Karnataka, ticket prices have touched ₹3,000. Standard fares for this journey usually fluctuate between₹1,200 and ₹1,600. Other high-traffic destinations, including Udupi and the Hubballi–Dharwad twin cities, have also seen fares crossing the ₹2,000 mark.

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Passengers have reported that the price hikes were implemented abruptly, affecting those booking closer to their travel dates. The surge in demand is attributed to the simultaneous closure of schools and offices for the long weekend.

“The sudden spike particularly affected last-minute travellers, many of whom were unaware of the increase while booking tickets close to their travel dates,” noted commuters during interactions regarding the fare escalation.

The shortage of alternative transport options has further intensified the situation. Most KSRTC premium services were fully booked days in advance, and train tickets on these routes were sold out, leaving private buses as the primary mode of transport for intercity travel.

The escalation in fares has triggered widespread complaints on social media platforms. Travellers have alleged that private operators are capitalising on the current demand-supply imbalance. This trend has been observed during previous festive seasons, leading to repeated demands for a fixed price ceiling or stricter regulatory intervention by the state transport ministry.

Current reports indicate that the high fare structure remains in place as the holiday weekend progresses. Monitoring of these private services continues as passengers seek relief from the inflated costs on major state corridors.