Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has revised luggage charges for items carried on its buses, with the new rates coming into effect from February 16. The corporation said the revision was necessitated by rising diesel prices, staff salaries and overall operational expenses.

New rates effective from February 16

According to an official circular issued by the corporation, the updated luggage tariff applies across its bus services from Sunday onward. Officials stated that the revision aligns luggage charges with earlier fare hikes and current cost pressures faced by the transport utility.

The circular noted that increases in fuel costs, employee-related expenditure and maintenance outlays have significantly raised operating costs, prompting the need for a revision in ancillary charges such as luggage fees.

Transport authorities clarified that the revised rates apply only to luggage exceeding the permitted free allowance per passenger.

Revision delayed despite earlier fare hike

Officials explained that luggage charges are typically revised whenever passenger ticket fares are increased. However, when bus fares were hiked in January 2025, luggage rates were not updated at that time.

Because of that gap, the luggage tariff remained unchanged for over three years, even as fares and operating costs rose. The corporation said the last revision of luggage charges was carried out in December 2021.

“Since the luggage charges were not revised along with last year’s fare hike, they have now been increased with effect from February 16,” officials said.

The present revision is estimated at roughly 15 percent on average, broadly in line with the earlier fare revision.

Free allowance up to 30 kg retained

The corporation has retained the existing free luggage allowance limit. Passengers can continue to carry up to 30 kg of luggage free of cost on its buses.

Charges will apply only when the luggage weight exceeds this limit. Conductors are authorised to assess excess baggage and collect the prescribed fee based on the notified stage-wise tariff.

Officials said the rule is intended to balance passenger convenience with revenue needs and vehicle load management.

Stage-based luggage tariff structure

The revised luggage charges are calculated based on travel stages. Under the new structure:

  • Stages 1–5: Rs 6
  • Stages 6–10: Rs 12
  • Stages 11–15: Rs 20
  • Stages 16–20: Rs 25

The rates increase progressively with distance travelled. At the upper end of the slab, the luggage charge reaches Rs 145 for stages 156–160.

Transport officials said the stage-based system ensures proportional charging depending on distance and handling requirements.

Impact on passengers and operations

Officials indicated that while the increase may slightly raise travel costs for passengers carrying heavy baggage, the revision is necessary to support sustainable operations.

They added that non-fare revenue streams such as luggage charges play a supporting role in offsetting rising fuel and salary expenses, especially when fare hikes alone are not sufficient.

Passengers are advised to check luggage weight before travel and seek clarification from conductors regarding applicable charges for excess baggage.

The corporation said the revised tariff has been communicated to all depots and operating staff, and enforcement has begun across services.