16 July,2026 09:24 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has extended the temporary 10 per cent seasonal fare hike for its ordinary bus services until midnight on July 31, citing rising diesel prices and increasing operational expenses.
The temporary increase, which was introduced during the summer travel season, was originally scheduled to end at midnight on July 15. However, the state-run transport corporation has decided to continue the fare revision for another two weeks as it continues to deal with higher operating costs.
According to MSRTC, the sharp increase in diesel prices has significantly raised the corporation's daily fuel expenditure, placing additional financial pressure on its operations.
The corporation said the extension of the temporary fare hike is intended to help manage a portion of the additional fuel costs while maintaining bus services across Maharashtra. Officials noted that rising input costs have affected the transport utility's overall expenditure, making it necessary to continue the variable fare increase for a limited period.
MSRTC clarified that the 10 per cent variable fare increase will remain applicable only to its ordinary bus services until midnight on July 31. Other categories of bus services will continue to operate under their existing fare structure.
The corporation has urged passengers to take note of the revised fares while planning their journeys during the extension period.
Apart from higher fuel prices, MSRTC said the decision was also influenced by continued passenger demand and sustained traffic across its network. The corporation has been witnessing steady commuter movement on several routes, prompting it to retain the temporary fare adjustment for a longer duration.
MSRTC operates one of the largest public bus transport networks in the country, with a fleet of more than 14,000 buses. The corporation provides transport services to over 5.5 million passengers every day, connecting urban centres, towns and remote rural areas across Maharashtra.
The transport undertaking said the temporary extension is expected to support its efforts to meet rising operational costs while ensuring that services continue without disruption.
According to the corporation, the measure is aimed at partially offsetting the financial impact of increased diesel prices and helping maintain safe, reliable and uninterrupted public transport services for passengers throughout the state.
(With inputs from PTI)
