Bhubaneswar: The Odisha State Transport Authority (STA) has announced a revision in passenger bus fares across the state in response to a sharp rise in diesel prices, increasing transportation costs for bus operators.
The revised fares came into effect immediately after diesel prices increased from ₹95.87 per litre to ₹100.68 per litre, prompting authorities to adjust ticket rates to help offset higher operating expenses.
Under the new fare structure, passengers will pay:
| Bus Category | Revised Fare |
|---|---|
| Ordinary Bus | 92 paise per km |
| Express Bus | 96 paise per km |
| Deluxe Bus | ₹1.35 per km |
| AC Deluxe Bus | ₹1.63 per km |
| Super Deluxe Bus | ₹2.53 per km |
The fare hike applies to all stage carriage buses operating within Odisha and is intended to balance the financial burden faced by transport operators due to escalating fuel costs.
Impact on Passengers
While the increase is expected to raise travel expenses for daily commuters and long-distance passengers, transport authorities maintain that the revision is necessary to ensure the continued viability of bus services across the state. Fuel costs constitute a major component of operating expenses for public transport operators, and periodic fare adjustments are often linked to fluctuations in diesel prices.
Role of the State Transport Authority
The State Transport Authority, Odisha periodically reviews fare structures based on changes in fuel prices and other operational factors. Such revisions are aimed at maintaining a balance between affordable public transportation and the economic sustainability of bus services.
The latest fare adjustment is expected to affect thousands of passengers travelling daily on ordinary, express, deluxe, and air-conditioned bus services throughout Odisha. Transport operators have welcomed the move, stating that it will help mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs and support uninterrupted passenger services across the state.
