India, June 22 -- Karnataka's state-run transport corporations are facing a series of severe financial challenges, prompting the department to propose a bus fare hike in the state. According to reports, the corporations have proposed a 10% to 12% fare hike to counter rising operational costs and mounting financial pressure on the government. This move, which is expected to be rolled out soon, is driven by increased fuel prices, employee salary hikes, pending dues, and the cost of providing free bus services to women.

Financial Burden of 12.5% Salary Hike for Employees

Recent salary hikes for employees have placed an additional financial burden of Rs 873.64 crore on the transport corporations. Furthermore, a diesel price increase of Rs 7...