KSRTC hikes luggage charges from Feb 16
Bengaluru (PTI): The KSRTC has revised its luggage charges, effective from February 16.
"In view of the increase in diesel, staff, and other expenses, the rates for luggage carried in the corporation’s buses have been revised. The revised rates will come into effect from 16-02-2026," Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation said in a recent circular.
According to officials, luggage charges are typically revised whenever passenger fares are increased.
"However, last year, when bus fares were hiked in January 2025, luggage rates were not revised. Hence, the luggage charges have now been increased with effect from tomorrow," they said on Sunday.
Officials further noted that the last revision of luggage charges was in December 2021. "Up to 30 kg is free; beyond that, charges apply," they added.
As per reports, luggage charges have been increased by around 15 per cent, in line with the fare hike implemented in 2025. The rates have been fixed according to travel stages.
Luggage charges will be Rs 6 for stages 1-5, Rs 12 for stages 6-10, Rs 20 for stages 11-15, and Rs 25 for stages 16-20.
Charges have been revised stage by stage, reaching Rs 145 for stages 156 to 160.
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Min. Priyank Kharge to expresses concern over implementation of VB-G Ram G
Bengaluru: Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Priyank Kharge has expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the proposed VB-G Ram G scheme, stating that the MNREGA programme, which has been a lifeline for rural India for nearly two decades, appears to be facing an uncertain future.
Speaking to media, Kharge said that as March 31 draws to a close, there is no clarity on the rollout of the new scheme from April 1. He pointed out that the central government has not yet issued the necessary guidelines for implementing the scheme for rural workers and villages.
He criticised the Centre for its lack of preparedness, stating that there is no clarity on fund allocation, no final parameters for classifying gram panchayats, and key processes such as social audits have not been defined.
Kharge said the situation comes at a critical time, as summer marks a peak period for rural employment demand, when many people depend heavily on wage employment for their livelihood.
He added that reports have emerged of delays in approvals and families not receiving work despite demand.
He further alleged that the Centre’s move to shift from a statutory employment guarantee to a rule-based allocation system is already showing negative consequences.
Kharge also raised concerns over provisions such as a mandatory 60-day halt during agricultural seasons, which he said would further limit employment opportunities for rural workers.
The BJP-led central government had claimed that the new scheme would transform rural India, but in reality it is turning out to be detrimental to people’s livelihoods, he said.
“The crisis in rural India due to the stalling of MNREGA is beginning to unfold. Given the Centre’s past record in handling such situations, there is growing concern over the impact on rural livelihoods,” Kharge said.
