Pvt bus fares may rise soon, say operators

Ranchi: Passenger of private buses in the state may have to shell out more with operators indicating that a fare hike is unavoidable as fuel prices rise and operating costs mount.

In Ranchi, diesel currently costs Rs 100.49 per litre, while petrol stands at Rs 105.29 per litre. Before the hike on May 15, diesel costed Rs 92.60 per litre and petrol Rs 97.85. Fuel prices have been revised four times since then, and bus operators said the impact is now being felt directly on operations.

Jharkhand Bus Owners’ Association president Sachidanand Singh said, ““Fare revision will happen. Operators are under immense pressure, and it is becoming difficult to continue at existing rates. Diesel price has crossed Rs 100, and every long-distance trip is costing significantly more than before. Once fares are revised, interstate night buses to Patna or Varanasi may see an increase of up to Rs 50 per seat, while buses to nearby districts such as Jamshedpur, Lohardaga, Chatra and Simdega may see a 10-15% increase,” Singh said.

Ranchi Bus Owners’ Association president Ashfaque Azam said, “Tyre prices have increased sharply over the past year. Batteries are expensive, urea prices have gone up, engine oil and lubricants cost more, and even basic spare parts have become costlier. Maintenance costs have gone up across the board. Bus owners are no longer in a position to absorb the burden.”

Passengers at Ranchi’s Khadgarha bus stand said another fare increase would stretch monthly budgets. “I travel to Jamshedpur at least twice a month. If ticket prices go up by even Rs 30- Rs 40, it adds to our burden. Students and workers will feel the impact immediately,” said Rahul Verma, a commuter.

Operators said if fuel prices remain high, revised fares could begin reflecting particularly on interstate and long-distance services.