Overview

• The 10% increase was scheduled for October 15 to November 5 under MSRTC’s seasonal pricing plan for peak travel.
• Premium Shivneri and Shivai services and users of monthly, quarterly and student passes were to be exempt from the temporary hike.
• MSRTC officials estimate the cancellation will forgo roughly Rs 20–60 crore in additional festive-season revenue for the cash-strapped operator.
• The state-run carrier runs about 15,000 buses carrying an estimated 50–60 lakh passengers daily, heightening the stakes of fare changes.
• The decision continues a recent pattern after a planned 30% Ganapati surcharge was reversed in July on Shinde’s instructions.