MSRTC Bus Fares to Increase by 14.95% Starting Today

Pune, 25th January 2025: The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has announced a 14.95% fare hike across all its bus services, effective from Saturday. This adjustment comes in response to rising operational costs, including machinery and equipment expenses, according to senior MSRTC officials. The last fare hike by the corporation was implemented in 2021.
“The increasing cost of equipment and maintenance has made this fare revision unavoidable. We have been discussing this with the state government since last year,” said a senior MSRTC official.
The MSRTC operates a fleet of 15,000 buses, including ordinary, semi-luxury, and luxury services, catering to approximately 55 lakh passengers daily.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik addressed the issue in Mumbai, stating, “While the MSRTC has been incurring monthly losses of around ₹90 crore, we remain committed to continuing concessions for senior citizens and women, who currently receive a 50% discount on tickets.”
With the fare hike, ticket prices for some routes are expected to increase significantly. For instance, an e-Shivneri bus fare from Swargate depot in Pune to Dadar in Mumbai, currently ₹535, is likely to rise to ₹615. Similarly, a semi-luxury Shivshahi bus fare from Swargate to Solapur is projected to increase from ₹555 to ₹638.
“We are currently in the process of recalculating the fares. Once finalized, the revised rates will be officially announced,” said Pramod Nehul, MSRTC’s Pune divisional controller.
The MSRTC has been grappling with financial challenges over the past few years. The pandemic severely impacted its revenue, and a prolonged strike lasting nearly six months added to the crisis, resulting in losses exceeding ₹4,000 crore. However, there was a glimmer of hope last August when the corporation reported a profit of ₹16.86 crore—the first in nine years.
The fare hike is aimed at helping the transport body recover from its financial struggles while continuing to provide essential services to millions of commuters across the state.