Four State transport corporations facing ₹8,000 crore in losses, says Karnataka Minister

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A file photo of BMTC buses. Karnataka’s four State-run transport corporations are collectively facing losses of around ₹8,000 crore. 

Karnataka’s four State-run transport corporations are collectively facing losses of around ₹8,000 crore and are struggling to pay salaries, Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh said in the Legislative Council on Thursday.

Responding to Congress member S. Ravi, who raised concerns over the difficulties faced by milk unions during a discussion on farmers’ issues, Mr. Suresh said the transport corporations had also been facing financial challenges.

Mr. Suresh said ticket fares in the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), the Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC), and the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation’s north-western division (KSRTC-NW) had not been increased despite four hikes in diesel prices.

He said the four corporations were operating with a cumulative loss of about ₹8,000 crore. “We have not increased fares despite the rise in diesel prices. There is apprehension that the Opposition may launch protests if fares are increased,” he said, adding that he will soon meet Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to discuss the issue.

Leader of the Opposition Chalavadi Narayanaswamy intervened and said candidates who had appeared for recruitment examinations and completed interviews for posts in the transport corporations had approached him.

Despite completing the interview process nearly three years ago, the candidates had not been appointed, he said.

Responding to this, the Minister said the corporations were currently struggling even to pay the salaries of their existing employees. “When there is no money to pay the salaries of those already working, how can we make new appointments?” he asked.

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