Namma Metro fares hiked by 5% from February 9; commuters protest decision

Bengaluru: Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has announced a 5 per cent increase in Namma Metro ticket fares, which will come into effect from February 9. With the revision, ticket prices will rise by a minimum of Rs 1 and a maximum of Rs 5 across the network.

The decision has triggered strong reactions from metro commuters, who have expressed anger and opposition to the fare hike. Passengers said repeated increases in public transport fares place an additional burden on common people and described the move as unjustified. Several commuters warned of protests if the revised fares are implemented despite public opposition.

Last year, in February, BMRCL had increased metro fares by up to 55 per cent, which drew widespread criticism from commuters and public representatives. Following protests, the fare structure was partially revised and reintroduced. However, the corporation has once again announced a fare hike this year.

Many commuters have also criticised the state government, questioning why metro users are facing fare hikes while bus travel is offered free of cost. They said metro passengers should not be treated unfairly, especially when the metro is considered the lifeline of Bengaluru.

BMRCL explanation

BMRCL said the fare hike is part of an annual automatic fare revision recommended by the Fare Fixation Committee (FFC), constituted under the Metro Railways (Operation and Maintenance) Act, 2002.

According to BMRCL, the first FFC recommended a revised fare structure after 7.5 years, which resulted in an average fare increase of 51.55 per cent. To avoid such sharp hikes in the future, the committee suggested a transparent annual automatic fare revision, capped at either 5 per cent or the percentage increase in operation and maintenance costs, whichever is lower, rounded off to the nearest rupee.

Based on this recommendation, BMRCL has implemented the annual revision after one year of the previous fare notification. The revised fares will apply across all 10 fare zones on the 96.10-km metro network, with marginal increases ranging from Rs 1 to Rs 5.

BMRCL also clarified that the 5 per cent annual hike applies to travel cards and group tickets. The corporation said the revision is aimed at ensuring financial sustainability and reliable services, while avoiding sudden and steep fare increases in the future.

Government responses

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said the metro fare hike does not fall under the state government’s direct control. He stated that the Fare Fixation Committee is headed by a secretary from a central ministry, and decisions are taken by the committee as per rules.

Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara said fare decisions involve both the state and central governments.

Meanwhile, Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya met Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and requested the reconstitution of the Fare Fixation Committee, citing Bengaluru Metro’s high ticket prices.

BJP criticism

The BJP strongly opposed the fare hike, calling it an added burden on the public. Leader of Opposition R Ashoka alleged that metro fares in Bengaluru are already among the highest in the country and questioned the need for further increases.

State BJP president B Y Vijayendra also criticised the decision, stating that increasing metro fares amid rising living costs would further trouble commuters. He added that metro management responsibility lies with the state government and urged authorities to reconsider the hike.