India, Feb. 24 -- Bus services between Maharashtra and Karnataka have been suspended owing to fresh escalation in the Marathi-Kannada language row. Nearly all bus operators between the two states, including the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) and the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), have halted their services fearing for the safety of passengers and staff, which has sent air fares between Mumbai and Bengaluru soaring.

"Almost all private bus operations between the two states have come to a halt over simmering tensions in the border areas of both states," said Murad Naik, vice chairman of the Mumbai Bus Malak Sangathana.

Belgavi and its neighbouring areas in north Karnataka have been the focal poin...