Shimla, Jul 20 (PTI) The Himachal Pradesh government on Monday decided to increase the bus fare by 25 per cent, an official spokesman said.

The decision of hiking the bus fare was taken in the state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur here, he added.

Also Read | Sachin Pilot Reacts to 'Rs 35 Crore' Bribery Charge Levelled Against Him: Live News Breaking and Coronavirus Updates on July 20, 2020.

The cabinet also decided to increase minimum bus fare for the first three kilometres from Rs 5 to Rs 7, the official added.

There will be an increase of 25 per cent in the present per kilometre tariffs for all travellers beyond three kilometres for hilly and plain areas, he added.

Also Read | Bihar: 16 Dead Due to Lightning Strikes, CM Nitish Kumar Urges People to Remain Vigilant and Stay Indoors.

The cabinet decided to increase the bus fare in the state as a result of fund crunch due to COVID-19 pandemic, he added.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)