Bengaluru Namma Metro fare hike capped at 70% following directive from Karnataka CM

Beyond a rise in operational expenses, BMRCL is grappling with substantial loan repayment commitments, officials said.

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) announced a revision of its fare structure, capping the maximum stage-wise fare increase at 70%. This decision came on February 13 in response to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s directive earlier in the day to roll back what he termed ‘abnormal’ fare hikes. However, the base fare and the highest ticket price will remain unchanged at ₹10 and ₹90, respectively.

BMRCL Managing Director M. Maheshwar Rao said that the recalibrated fare slabs would take effect by February 14. “The maximum hike for metro fares has been capped at 70% after reviewing the structure,” he said.

Mr Siddaramaiah had earlier taken to social media platform X on February 13, instructing the Namma Metro chief to reassess and reverse excessive fare hikes. He emphasised the importance of safeguarding commuter interests amid concerns over steep increases.

Mr Rao claimed that technical errors had affected the fare calculation implemented on February 9, prompting a revision of the structure. He elaborated on the steps taken to address public concerns. “The Bangalore Metro Railway administration, after receiving feedback about fare hikes of 100% or more, deliberated for two days and revisited the fare matrix. This review aimed to reassess the recommendations of the Fare Fixation Committee (FFC) and identify solutions within the statutory framework to address commuter grievances,” he said.

The fare revision process resulted in 4,623 different fare combinations, with approximately 459 slabs witnessing an increase of up to 100%. “We are examining ways to rationalise some of these slabs,” Mr Rao said, adding that this could lead to a 15% reduction in certain fares.

As per the revised matrix, about 46% of metro commuters — equivalent to nearly 2,91,418 daily passengers — are expected to benefit from the new structure.

“This is being done without diluting the integrity and spirit of the Fare Fixation Committee (FFC) recommendations, as per the Metro Railway (Operations & Maintenance) Act, which makes the recommendations binding on the metro rail administration. By addressing the grievances expressed by the travelling public, our commitment is to provide mobility service to various sections of people,” Mr Rao added.