The Maharashtra State Transport Authority (STA) has approved a 14.95% hike in MSRTC bus fares, effective from January 25th an official said on Friday. The decision was taken during an STA meeting held on Thursday.
The decision was made during an STA meeting on Thursday, and it is expected to affect millions of daily commuters across the state.With the fare hike set to take effect soon, commuters are bracing for higher costs, while the MSRTC aims to address operational challenges amid the country’s rising inflation.
The state-run Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is one of the largest public transporters in the country, operating a fleet of approximately 15,000 buses and ferrying 55 lakh passengers daily.
This fare hike was deemed necessary due to the rising costs of essential components such as diesel, chassis, and tires, as well as an increase in the dearness allowance. "It will definitely prove beneficial for the corporation," said an official.
The proposal, submitted by the MSRTC’s Vice Chairman and Managing Director on January 1, 2025, was reviewed and approved during the STA's 276th meeting recently. The STA, led by the Additional Chief Secretary of the Transport Department and attended by key officials including the Chairman of the STA, the Additional Director General of Police (Traffic), and the Transport Commissioner, sanctioned the fare increase.
This fare hike marks the first since October 26, 2021, and comes as a response to ongoing inflationary pressures that have affected the operational costs of the state-run service.
The decision to increase fares is likely to add financial strain on the common man, especially workers and housewives who rely on MSRTC for daily commuting, particularly in rural Maharashtra, where the corporation remains a lifeline for many.
Additionally, the meeting saw the approval for the introduction of new, eco-friendly BS-6 standard buses. These buses, which will be painted in tomato red livery, are part of MSRTC's ongoing efforts to modernize its fleet.
Checjk Current and New Fares for Ordinary Buses (Excluding Reservation Charges): of prominent routes Route Current Fare New Fare Difference
Dadar to Swargate 235, 272, 37
Dadar to Pune Railway Station 225, 262, 37
Alibaug to Mumbai 160, 182, 22
Dapoli to Mumbai 340, 393, 56
Mumbai to Kolhapur 565, 654, 89
Mumbai to Sangli 585, 674, 89
Pune (Shivaji Nagar) to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar 340, 393, 53
Nashik to Kolhapur 670, 775, 105
Pune (Swargate) to Solapur 365, 423, 58
Pune (Shivaji Nagar) to Nagpur 1080, 1247, 167
Current and New Fares for Shivneri Buses (Excluding Reservation Charges):
Route Current Fare Proposed Fare Difference
Dadar to Swargate 525, 602, 77
Dadar to Pune Railway Station 505, 580, 75
Alibaug to Mumbai 350, 402, 52
Dapoli to Mumbai 755, 869, 114
Mumbai to Kolhapur 1260, 1448, 188
Mumbai to Sangli 1300, 1492, 192
Pune (Shivaji Nagar) to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar 755, 869, 114
Nashik to Kolhapur 1495, 1715, 220
Pune (Swargate) to Solapur 815, 936, 121
Pune (Shivaji Nagar) to Nagpur 2405, 2761, 356
Current and New Fares for Shivshahi Buses (Excluding Reservation Charges):
Route Current Fare Proposed Fare Difference
Dadar to Swargate 350, 403, 53
Dadar to Pune Railway Station 335, 388, 53
Alibaug to Mumbai 235, 269, 34
Dapoli to Mumbai 505, 581, 76
Mumbai to Kolhapur 840, 968, 128
Mumbai to Sangli 870, 997, 127
Pune (Shivaji Nagar) to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar 505, 581, 76
Nashik to Kolhapur 995,1146 ,151
Pune (Swargate) to Solapur 545, 626, 81
Pune (Shivaji Nagar) to Nagpur 1605, 1845, 240
Fare Hike According to Type of Service:
Ordinary Bus (including semi-fast and night bus services):
Current fare for the first stage of 6 km: ₹8.70
Revised fare: ₹11 (including accident relief fund, rounded to the nearest ₹1)
Semi-Luxury Services and Non-AC Sleeper Seat Services:
Current fare for the first stage of 6 km: ₹11.85
Revised fare: ₹15 (including accident fund, rounded to ₹1)
Non-AC Sleeper Services:
Current fare for the first stage of 6 km: ₹11.85
Revised fare: ₹16 (including accident fund, rounded to ₹1)
Shivshahi (AC Bus):
Current fare for the first stage of 6 km: ₹12.35
Revised fare: ₹16 (including accident fund, rounded to ₹1)
Janshivneri:
Current fare for the first stage of 6 km: ₹12.95
Revised fare: ₹17 (including accident fund, rounded to ₹1)
Shivshahi Sleeper:
Current fare for the first stage of 6 km: ₹13.35
Revised fare: ₹17 (including accident fund, rounded to ₹1)
Shivneri (AC):
Current fare for the first stage of 6 km: ₹18.50
Revised fare: ₹24 per 6 km (including accident fund, rounded to ₹1)
Shivneri Sleeper (AC):
Current fare for the first stage of 6 km: ₹22
Revised fare: ₹28 (including accident fund, rounded to ₹1)
E-Bus (9 meters, AC):
Current fare for the first stage of 6 km: ₹12
Revised fare: ₹15 (including accident fund, rounded to ₹1)
E-Shivai/E-Bus (12 meters, AC):
Current fare for the first stage of 6 km: ₹13.20
Revised fare: ₹17 (including accident fund, rounded to ₹1)