Odisha government on Friday announced an increase in private bus fares across different categories following the recent rise in fuel prices. The revised fare structure will affect passengers travelling in ordinary, express, deluxe, AC deluxe, and super deluxe buses across the State.

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According to the new fare notification, the fare for ordinary buses has been increased from 88 paise to 90 paise per kilometre. Similarly, the fare for express buses has gone up from 92 paise to 94 paise per kilometre.

For deluxe category buses, the fare has been revised from Rs 1.27 to Rs 1.31 per kilometre. In the AC deluxe category, passengers will now have to pay Rs 1.59 per kilometre instead of the earlier Rs 1.55.

The highest increase has been recorded in the super deluxe category, where the fare has been raised by six paise per kilometre, taking the revised rate to Rs 2.47 per kilometre.

The fare revision comes amid growing concerns over the fuel crisis, price fluctuations, and transportation costs in Odisha. Transport operators had reportedly been demanding a fare hike, citing increased operational expenses due to rising diesel prices and maintenance costs.

The revised bus fares are expected to impact daily commuters as well as long-distance passengers travelling between districts. However, transport officials stated that the decision was necessary to balance the operational viability of private bus services in the State.

Passengers and commuters have expressed mixed reactions to the announcement. While some acknowledged the pressure of rising fuel costs on transport operators, others voiced concern over the additional financial burden on regular travellers.