Bengaluru Metro Fare Hike: Karnataka CM Faces Angry Citizens' Wrath

In disappointing news to Bengaluru residents, the Karnataka government increased the fares of Metro by up to 50% last week, a move that was immediately rejected by the people of the city. This move was made following the recommendations of the Fare Fixation Committee (FCC). Amid growing criticism, a crucial point to note here is that Bengaluru Metro has now become the most expensive public transportation system in India. 

After the revision, the lowest fare remained at Rs.10, while the highest fare increased from Rs.60 to Rs. 90. Also, the minimum balance required on smart cards to travel increased from Rs.50 to Rs.90. 

According to the revised structure, the new fares are Rs.10 for up to 2km, Rs. 20 for 2-4 km, Rs.30 for 4-6 km, ₹40 for travel up to 6-8 km, ₹50 for 8-10 km, ₹60 for 10-12 km, ₹70 for 15-20 km, ₹80 for 20-25 km and ₹90 for distances above 25 km. 

The increase in metro fare prices sparked outrage and almost immediately decreased the footfall. There is nearly a 4% decline in passenger count on Monday. 

Addressing the controversy and the outrage, CM Siddaramaiah criticized the opposition for turning it into a political matter and later clarified, “The current chairman of BMRCL is also the Union Secretary for Housing and Urban Affairs. BMRCL is an autonomous body, meaning the Karnataka Government does not have full control over its decisions.”

The CM continued, “Like all other metro corporations in the country, BMRCL operates under the Metro Railways (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2002, controlled by the Union Government. When BMRCL last revised fares in June 2017, Phase 1 (42.3 km) was completed. Now, Phase 2 is partially completed, and the metro network has expanded beyond 42.3 km. By December 2026, Metro lines 2, 2A, and 2B (96.6 km) will be completed, expanding Bengaluru Metro to 175.55 km.”

While Mr.Siddaramaiah’s explanation seems logical, it’s unlikely to calm down the nerves of the angry Bengaluru public who had decided to protest against the metro fare hike. One resident said that he will continue to use his car till the metro fares are revised. 

Another person angrily wrote, “Metro no more for common public.”