Bus fares hiked in Telangana

Travel in state-run buses in Telangana will cost more from next week with the Government today effecting a hike in fares, a move that will help it mop up an additional revenue of Rs 286 crore. The increase in fares of state-run Road Transport Corporation (RTC) bus services would come into effect from June 27, Transport Minister P Mahender Reddy said. The RTC is making a loss of Rs 2 crore every day and fares have not been increased since 2013, he said, defending the move. Noting that the Government would strengthen RTC, he said efforts would be made to see that losses come down and the Corporation makes profits. After the hike, fares would be, per kilometre, 87 paise for 'Express' services, 98 paise for 'Deluxe', 116 paise in 'Super Luxury' buses, 146 paise for Indra service, 171 paise in 'Garuda' buses and 182 paise for 'Garuda Plus' service, according to a Government release. The hike is nominal in rural services, it said, adding an additional revenue of Rs 286 crore would accrue due to the rate rise. Meanwhile, Opposition Congress and TDP slammed the rise in bus fares.