Karnataka private bus operators blame Shakti scheme, BMTC expansion for loss: Report
Bengaluru: Private bus operators in Karnataka have raised concerns over mounting financial losses, attributing the situation to the state government’s Shakti scheme, the expansion of the BMTC network, and the presence of illegal operators.
The Karnataka State Private Bus Owners’ Association submitted a memorandum to Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, outlining these grievances, as reported by The New Indian Express on Wednesday.
Association President S. Nataraj Sharma warned that if the issues are not addressed within the next 10 days, bus owners would be compelled to launch statewide protests. According to the memorandum, the Shakti scheme, which provides free travel for women on state-run buses, has significantly reduced the number of fare-paying passengers for private operators.
The association further raised concerns about unfair competition arising from disparities in the All-India Tourist Permit system. They claim that private bus operators in Karnataka are paying substantially higher taxes compared to their counterparts in other states.
The memorandum highlighted that buses registered in states like Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, some allegedly operating without proper inspection or in violation of body codes, are entering Karnataka by paying an annual fee of just Rs 60,000, while local operators are charged between Rs 82,000 and Rs 1.58 lakh.
“This creates unhealthy and unfair competition. If clarity is not provided, our members may be forced to re-register vehicles in other states and re-enter Karnataka,” the memorandum stated.
The operators also expressed concerns about increased competition from subsidised electric buses, as well as the recent expansion of the BMTC’s jurisdiction from 25 km to 40 km beyond the city limits. The association argues that the expansion directly overlaps with areas that private operators have served for decades.
“BMTC’s expansion will eliminate the livelihood of private operators in Bengaluru’s periphery,” TNIE quoted Sharma as saying. He further pointed out that, unlike BMTC, private operators do not receive any subsidies, adding to the financial strain.
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KSRTC to run 1000 special services to clear Christmas rush
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation will operate 1000 additional special services in view of the Christmas festival.
In addition to the existing schedule, the special services will run on 19.12.2025, 20.12.2025 and 24.12.2025. Further, special buses will be operated from various places of intra & Interstate places to Bengaluru on 26.12.2025 & 28.12.2025.
Special buses will be exclusively operated from Bengaluru Kempegowda Bus Station to Dharmastala, Kukkesubramanya, Shivamogga, Hassan, Mangaluru, Kundapura, Shringeri, Horanadu, Davangere, Hubbali, Dharwad, Belagavi, Vijayapura, Gokarna, Sirsi, Karwar, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Ballari, Koppala, Yadgir, Bidar, Tirupathi, Vijayawada, Hyderabad and other places.
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Special buses from Mysuru Road Bus Station will be exclusively operated towards Mysuru, Hunsur, Piriyapatna, Virajpet, Kushalanagar, Madikeri.
The corporation has also announced a discount of 5 per cent on the fare if four or more passengers book tickets under a single reservation. A discount of 10 per cent will be extended on return journey tickets if onward and return tickets are booked simultaneously.
In addition to the above, special buses will be operated from all Taluk/District Bus Stands in the jurisdiction of KSRTC based on the traffic needs.
