Bengaluru Metro Fares Set to Rise Again: 5% Hike Expected from February 9
Commuters in Bengaluru are bracing for another financial blow as Namma Metro, already one of the most expensive metro rail systems in India, is poised to become even costlier. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is likely to implement a fresh round of fare revision, further burdening passengers who are still reeling from last year's steep increase.
Details of the Proposed Fare Hike
According to sources within BMRCL, the Fare Fixation Committee (FFC) report mandates a fare increase, and as per its provisions, fares are set to rise by 5% effective from February 9. The corporation is expected to notify the new fares officially on Thursday. Currently, Namma Metro fares range from Rs 10 to Rs 90, and the proposed hike is anticipated to result in an increase of Re 1 to Rs 5, depending on the distance traveled by commuters.
Background of Previous Fare Increases
This upcoming hike follows a significant fare revision last year. In February of the previous year, based on FFC recommendations, BMRCL initially proposed a fare hike of over 110%. However, after widespread public backlash, the fare matrix was revised, capping the maximum increase at 71%. Despite strong opposition from commuters and elected representatives, who highlighted several alleged flaws in the FFC report, the revised hike was implemented. The issue also sparked political sparring between the BJP and Congress, but ultimately, commuters found no relief.
Automatic Fare Revision Mechanism
The FFC report has empowered BMRCL to increase fares by 5% annually through an automatic fare revision formula. This mechanism will remain in force until new FFC recommendations come into effect. BMRCL has consistently maintained that fare hikes are necessary to meet its financial obligations. In the last financial year (2024–25), the corporation reported an operational profit of Rs 229.4 crore. However, its loss after tax widened to Rs 623.9 crore, compared with Rs 350.7 crore in 2023–24.
Government and Official Responses
Additional Chief Secretary of the Urban Development Department, Tushar Giri Nath, stated, The state government has not issued any directions to BMRCL on fare revision. Decisions on fare revision are taken by the BMRCL board. Meanwhile, BMRCL Managing Director J Ravishankar was not available for comments on the matter.
This latest development underscores the ongoing challenges faced by public transport users in Bengaluru, as they navigate rising costs amid the city's growing infrastructure needs.
