Even though the diesel prices were cut down by massive Rs 2.25 (without VAT) on October 31 – second reduction in less than a month, the Odisha government reduced the bus fare by just 1-2 paise, drawing flak from the common people.
Commerce and Transport Minister Ramesh Chandra Majhi announced a cut of 1 paise per km in ordinary and passenger buses and 2 paise per km in deluxe and AC deluxe bus fares.
The fares of ordinary and express buses have been revised to 62 paise and 65 paise per km respectively. The deluxe bus fares have been slashed to 85 paise from 87 paise per km. The AC deluxe bus fares will now cost Rs 1.04 instead of Rs 1.06 per km.
Earlier on October 29, the state government had cut down the bus fares by similar margin after the diesel prices were slashed by Rs 3.63 (without VAT) per litre. Despite the decline in diesel prices, the common people are not being allowed to get the actual benefits.
