Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation will implement a temporary 10% fare hike on its ordinary bus services from midnight of April 15 to June 15, citing rising operational costs. Under the revised structure, the base fare per 6 km will increase from Rs10.05 to Rs11.05, impacting ticket prices across distances.
Buses affected
The hike will apply only to three categories of ordinary buses—‘Sadhi’, ‘Jalad’ and ‘Ratraseva’—which form the backbone of rural and intercity connectivity. Premium services such as Hirkani (semi-luxury), non-AC sleeper buses, Shivshahi buses, as well as 9-metre electric buses and 12-metre e-Shivai buses, will remain unaffected, offering some relief to passengers.
Reason behind the hike
Officials said the decision comes amid rising expenses on fuel, maintenance and daily operations. By limiting the increase to ordinary services, MSRTC aims to balance financial sustainability with commuter convenience.
This is not the first such move. A similar fare hike proposed during the Diwali season last year was later rolled back following public opposition. Officials reiterated that the current hike is temporary and will be reviewed after June 15. With MSRTC’s vast network serving lakhs of passengers daily, any fare revision carries significant impact.
Cleanliness cess from April 15
In addition, MSRTC will introduce a cleanliness cess from April 15, charging Rs2 per passenger across all services, including those availing concessions under schemes like Mahila Sanman Yojna, senior citizens, and Amrut Jyesth Nagrik.
Special booked buses will attract a flat Rs50 charge per bus, while pass holders will pay Rs5 at the time of renewal. The cess is aimed at improving cleanliness and passenger amenities at bus stations and onboard buses.
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