MSRTC Implements Permanent 13.5% Bus Fare Increase

The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) implemented a permanent fare increase of approximately 13.56% to 13.65% starting Friday midnight. This revision follows approval from the State Transport Authority and replaces a temporary 10% seasonal surcharge that had been extended through July 31 to manage rising costs.

Operational pressures drove the decision, as 21 to 22 of the corporation's 31 divisions were operating at a loss. In May 2026, expenditures reached ₹1,096.07 crore, exceeding revenue of ₹1,047.17 crore. To combat these deficits, the MSRTC previously launched a statewide diesel-saving drive offering incentives to fuel-efficient drivers.

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik stated the hike was unavoidable due to increased employee allowances, the cost of spare parts, and rising diesel prices linked to the geopolitical situation in West Asia. The revision affects several key routes; for example, fares for Mumbai-Solapur rose from Rs 775 to Rs 800, and Mumbai-Kolhapur increased from Rs 730 to Rs 755. The measure aims to ensure the reliability of services, particularly within rural areas.