Private bus operators in Kolkata are facing mounting pressure as fuel prices remain elevated, prompting some routes to rethink fare structures. The latest signs of stress have emerged on route 237, where mid-stage fares have reportedly been raised by as much as ₹20.
The pressure appears tied largely to diesel costs, which are said to be hovering around ₹100 to ₹105 per litre. For operators already struggling with thin margins, that level has made daily operations harder to sustain, especially on routes that are not running full fleets.
Changes are also being seen in service patterns. Route 79D has shortened its stages, a move that reflects the broader effort by operators to manage costs and keep services viable. At the same time, 24 routes are reported to be operating with less than 75% of their fleet on the road, underlining the strain across the private bus network.
Taken together, the fare hike on route 237, the stage adjustment on 79D and reduced fleet deployment on multiple routes point to growing financial stress in Kolkata’s private bus sector. If diesel prices remain high, more operators may push for route-level revisions to balance operating costs and service continuity.
