Commuting on Bangalore's Namma Metro, already recognized as one of India's most expensive metro rail systems, is poised to become slightly more costly starting February 9, 2026. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has officially declared a 5 per cent fare increase, coming just about a year after fares were previously raised by as much as 71 per cent.
Revised Fare Structure and Impact on Commuters
Under the newly revised fare structure, ticket prices will see an increment ranging from ₹1 to ₹5 across all ten fare slabs. The minimum fare has been adjusted from ₹10 to ₹11, while the maximum fare now reaches ₹95, up from the previous ₹90. This hike is applicable across Namma Metro's extensive operational network, which spans 96 kilometers.
Rationale Behind the Fare Increase
In a detailed press release, BMRCL clarified that this decision aligns with the recommendations of the Fare Fixation Committee (FFC), which are binding on the corporation. The release stated, "In keeping with the recommendations of the FFC, it is hereby notified that an annual automatic fare revision will be implemented with effect from February 9, 2026, on the expiry of 1 year from the date of implementation of the FFC's recommended fares by BMRCL (February 9, 2025). The marginal increase ranges from a minimum of ₹1 to a maximum of ₹5 across 10 fare zones on its entire network of 96.10 km."
Why the Hike Was Capped at 5 Per Cent
According to BMRCL, audited financial data revealed a 10.20 per cent increase in costs when comparing figures from 2024–25 (as of March 31, 2025) with the base data from 2023–24 (as of March 31, 2024). Despite this significant cost rise, the fare increase was limited to 5 per cent, in strict adherence to the FFC's guidelines. This cap aims to balance financial needs with commuter affordability.
Continuation of Existing Concessions
BMRCL has confirmed that existing fare concessions will remain unchanged. Commuters using smart cards and National Common Mobility Cards (NCMC) will continue to benefit from a 5 per cent discount during peak hours and a 10 per cent discount during non-peak hours. However, it is important to note that the revised fares will apply to tourist cards and group tickets, which may affect occasional travelers and group outings.
Financial Sustainability and Future Planning
Explaining the broader rationale, BMRCL emphasized that this small annual revision is designed to ensure financial sustainability and service reliability, while avoiding the necessity for large and sudden fare increases in the future. The corporation stated, "BMRCL emphasizes that this small annual revision is intended to ensure financial sustainability and service reliability, while avoiding the need for large and sudden fare increases in the future. This approach allows fares to move gradually in line with inflation and operating costs, thereby protecting commuters from sharp, infrequent hikes."
Detailed Revised Metro Fares Effective from February 9, 2026
Here is a breakdown of the updated fare structure:
- 0–2 km: ₹10 → ₹11
- 2–4 km: ₹20 → ₹21
- 4–6 km: ₹30 → ₹32
- 6–8 km: ₹40 → ₹42
- 8–10 km: ₹50 → ₹53
- 10–15 km: ₹60 → ₹63
- 15–20 km: ₹70 → ₹74
- 20–25 km: ₹80 → ₹84
- Above 25 km: ₹90 → ₹95
This fare adjustment marks a strategic move by BMRCL to maintain the metro's operational efficiency while gradually aligning with economic factors, ensuring that Bangalore's commuters can continue to rely on a stable and reliable public transport system.
