No Plan to Increase Bus Fares in Karnataka, Says Ramalinga Reddy
The Transport Minister said there is currently no proposal to raise bus ticket prices despite concerns over possible diesel price hikes.
Ramalinga Reddy has clarified that the Karnataka government is not considering any increase in bus fares at present, even if diesel prices rise in the coming days.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Wednesday, the Transport Minister said he was not aware of any decision regarding a hike in diesel prices and added that it would be a positive development if fuel prices remain unchanged.
Reddy stated that any increase in diesel costs would naturally place additional financial pressure on state run transport corporations, including the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation and the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation. However, he made it clear that no discussions have taken place so far on revising passenger ticket fares.
Responding to questions about the recent salary revision for transport corporation employees, the minister said the government had already communicated its decision. He declined to comment further on reports suggesting that some employees were unhappy with the pay revision.
On the delay in conducting elections to the Greater Bengaluru Authority, Reddy acknowledged that aspirants and party workers were naturally disappointed by the postponement. He said the delay was also increasing pressure on party leaders.
The minister added that Bengaluru’s infrastructure had seen major development since 1947, especially during Congress governments. However, he said questions regarding the reasons behind postponing the elections should be directed to Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar.
Reddy also stated that he had no knowledge of any power sharing arrangement within the government but was aware that discussions were underway regarding a cabinet reshuffle.
He further mentioned that he had travelled to New Delhi only three times in the last three years and expressed hope that the cabinet expansion would happen soon.
According to the minister, there were earlier indications that the cabinet expansion would take place after the government completed two and a half years in office, but the process has already been delayed by six months.