Odisha Government has notified a comprehensive revision of fares for stage carriage buses operating within the state, marking a significant increase across all categories.
The notification, issued by the Commerce & Transport Department, supersedes earlier orders and will take effect from the date of its publication in the Odisha Gazette.
The revised maximum fares per passenger per kilometre are as follows:
- Ordinary Bus: Rs 1.18 (118 paise)
- Express Bus: Rs 1.24 (124 paise)
- Semi Deluxe Bus: Rs 1.30 (130 paise)
Deluxe Bus: Rs 1.41 (141 paise) - A.C. Deluxe Bus: Rs 1.99 (199 paise)
- Super Premium Bus: Rs 3.21 (321 paise)
- Super Premium Fully Sleeper A.C. Coach Bus: Rs 4.61 (461 paise) per passenger/berth per kilometre
These rates apply to stage carriages other than town buses. The government has clarified that the figures represent maximum chargeable fares, and operators cannot collect amounts exceeding the notified rates.
Key Provisions and Passenger Protections
The notification retains and details concessions for specific categories of passengers, including 100% fare waiver for persons with HIV/AIDS, total blindness, mental retardation, orthopaedic challenges (50-100% deformity), and 100% hearing impairment. Escorts of certain beneficiaries are eligible for 50% concession. These apply across both government and private buses upon production of valid identity proof from competent authorities.
Other important rules include:
- Free luggage allowance of up to 15 kg per person, with additional luggage charged at 7 paise per km for every extra 20 kg.
- Rounding of fractional fares: amounts less than 50 paise rounded down, 50 paise or more rounded up to the next rupee.
Mandatory display of bus category, per-km fare, and available concessions inside every stage carriage. - Strict classification requirements: Semi Deluxe and Super Premium Fully Sleeper fares can only be charged by vehicles duly recognised and permitted under the respective categories.
The State Transport Authority and Regional Transport Authorities have been directed to ensure proper implementation through permit endorsements, fare chart displays, ticketing systems, and enforcement.
Background and Automatic Mechanism
This revision comes against the backdrop of successive smaller adjustments earlier in 2026 linked to diesel price increases under the state’s automatic fare revision mechanism. The new notification also reaffirms that the Transport Commissioner is authorised to issue further orders for automatic revisions based on future fuel price changes.
For long-distance travellers, especially those using premium and sleeper services, the impact will be noticeable. A 300 km journey on an ordinary bus would now cost around Rs 354, while the same distance on a Super Premium Fully Sleeper AC coach could reach approximately Rs 1,383 per berth (before rounding and other adjustments).
Passengers are advised to check the displayed fare charts and retain tickets. Operators found charging more than the notified maximum rates face enforcement action under the Motor Vehicles Act.
The move aims to balance the rising operational costs of bus operators with structured fare controls, while continuing protections for vulnerable passenger groups.
With the notification now issued, the revised fares will officially kick in once published in the Odisha Gazette.
