Private bus operators have hit passengers hard ahead of Yugadi and Ramadan festivals, jacking up ticket fares from Bengaluru to hometown destinations by 2 to 3 times the regular rates.

With four consecutive holiday days, demand for travel out of Bengaluru has skyrocketed, but private operators have exploited the situation with massive price hikes, putting severe financial strain on travellers.

Harsh Reality of Private Bus Fare Increases Normal vs Festival Rates:

Bengaluru – Mangaluru: Regular ₹600 → Now up to ₹2,999

Bengaluru – Dharwad/Hubballi: Regular ₹400–1,300 → Now up to ₹4,500

Bengaluru – Shivamogga: Regular ₹400 → Now ₹2,799

Bengaluru – Dharmasthala: Regular ₹500 → Now ₹3,600

Bengaluru – Mysuru: Regular ₹350 → Now up to ₹2,500

Private bus owners' association president Natraj Sharma defended the hike, stating Rising diesel prices, government taxes, and war-like global conditions have made the increase unavoidable. ‘BJP is like Amoeba, it grows however and whenever it wants’, says Uddhav Thackeray

Compared to previous festivals, the hike isn’t that extreme this time. Big Relief for Passengers Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has come to the rescue by deploying 2,000 additional buses on March 18, 19, and 20 from key Bengaluru terminals Kempegowda Bus Station (Majestic), Mysuru Road Satellite Bus Station, and Shantinagar BMTC Stand to various parts of the state.

This allows travel at normal fares.Although private fare surges during festivals are an annual occurrence, the scale this time is particularly steep. Passengers are strongly advised to prioritize KSRTC buses and book tickets in advance. Has Tamil Nadu become Cartel cradle?

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