Himachal Pradesh Bus Fare Hike: A Mixed Bag for Commuters
The Himachal Pradesh government has officially increased the minimum bus fare from ₹5 to ₹10, effective immediately. This change, announced by Additional Chief Secretary (Transport) Kamlesh Kumar Pant, applies to all stage carriage buses—both government-run and private—for the first 4 kilometers of travel.
The decision, approved by the state cabinet on April 5, 2025, has sparked significant opposition from political parties like the BJP and CPI(M), as well as from the general public. Critics argue that the fare hike disproportionately impacts daily commuters and economically weaker sections of society. Despite the backlash, the government implemented the fare increase after a two-week delay.
The fare hike responds to longstanding demands from private bus operators and the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC), both of which have been advocating for increased fares to offset rising operational costs. The HRTC, struggling with losses exceeding ₹2,200 crore, had previously submitted a proposal for fare revision to the government.
How do you feel about this fare hike?
