New Delhi, July 17 -- The State Transport Authority (STA) has cleared a 13.56% increase in fares for buses operated by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), officials announced on Friday. The revised fares will come into effect from 18 July.

According to a senior official, the fare revision has been prompted by a sharp rise in diesel prices and increasing operating costs, making the hike necessary to support the financial health of the state-run transport undertaking.

MSRTC is among India's largest public transport operators, managing a fleet of more than 14,000 buses and serving over 55 lakh passengers every day across Maharashtra.

As part of the fare revision, the corporation will withdraw the 10% seasonal fare su...