Odisha Announces Revised Bus Fare Structure Across All Categories
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced a revised bus fare structure for stage carriage services across the state, bringing changes to travel costs for passengers using ordinary, express, deluxe, AC, and premium bus services.
According to the notification issued by the Commerce and Transport Department, the revised fares will come into effect after their publication in the Odisha Gazette.
The updated rates define the maximum fare that operators can charge per passenger per kilometre across different categories of buses.
Under the new structure, the fare for ordinary buses has been fixed at ₹1.18 per passenger per kilometre, while express buses will charge up to ₹1.24. Semi-deluxe, deluxe, and AC deluxe buses will have maximum fares of ₹1.30, ₹1.41, and ₹1.99 per kilometre, respectively.
Premium services have seen the highest ceiling rates, with super premium buses allowed to charge ₹3.21 per kilometre and fully sleeper AC coaches up to ₹4.61 per passenger or berth per kilometre.
The government has also retained several passenger-friendly provisions.
Eligible persons with specified disabilities and individuals living with HIV/AIDS will continue to receive a full fare exemption upon producing valid identification documents.
In certain cases, accompanying escorts will be entitled to a 50 per cent fare concession.
The revised guidelines further permit passengers to carry up to 15 kilograms of luggage free of charge.
Additional baggage beyond the free allowance will attract extra charges as prescribed in the notification.
Officials said the fare revision is in line with the state’s existing mechanism that allows periodic adjustments based on fluctuations in diesel prices and other operational costs.
Transport authorities have also directed operators to prominently display fare charts and concession details for public awareness.
The revised fare structure is expected to impact daily commuters as well as long-distance travellers, particularly those using premium and sleeper coach services.
