The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL) has implemented a fare hike of up to 50 per cent, effective from February 9. The decision, based on recommendations from the Fare Fixation Committee (FFC), has sparked public dissatisfaction, with many calling the increase unreasonable. This revision also positions Bengaluru Metro as the most expensive public transport system in India.

ಪ್ರಯಾಣ ದರ ಏರಿಕೆ ಕುರಿತ ಮಾಹಿತಿ:
ದರ ಪರಿಷ್ಕರಣೆ ಸಮಿತಿಯ ಶಿಫಾರಸ್ಸಿನಂತೆ, ಇದೇ ಫೆಬ್ರವರಿ 9/2025 ರಿಂದ ನಮ್ಮ ಮೆಟ್ರೋ ದಲ್ಲಿ ಪರಿಷ್ಕೃತ ದರ ಜಾರಿಯಾಗಲಿದೆ. ಸ್ಮಾರ್ಟ್ ಕಾರ್ಡ್‌ಗಳ ಮೇಲೆ ಶೇ. 5 ರಷ್ಟು ರಿಯಾಯಿತಿ ಮುಂದುವರಿಯುತ್ತದೆ. ಹೆಚ್ಚಿನ ಮಾಹಿತಿಗಾಗಿ ಮಾಧ್ಯಮ ಪ್ರಕಟಣೆಯನ್ನು ಪರಿಶೀಲಿಸಿ. pic.twitter.com/jFNMnePq7L

— ನಮ್ಮ ಮೆಟ್ರೋ (@OfficialBMRCL) February 8, 2025

Under the new fare structure, the minimum fare remains at ₹10, while the maximum fare has risen from ₹60 to ₹90. Additionally, the minimum balance required on smart cards has increased from ₹50 to ₹90, adding to commuters' financial burden.

Revised Fare Chart

The updated metro fare structure is as follows:

₹10 for up to 2 km

₹20 for 2-4 km

₹30 for 4-6 km

₹40 for 6-8 km

₹50 for 8-10 km

₹60 for 10-12 km

₹70 for 15-20 km

₹80 for 20-25 km

₹90 for distances above 25 km

Introduction of Peak and Non-Peak Hour Tariffs

To provide some relief, BMRCL has introduced separate fares for peak and non-peak hours. Additionally, discounts on smart card fares will be available on Sundays and national holidays. The 5 per cent discount for smart card users will continue despite the fare revision.

Political Reactions and Public Backlash

The fare increase has triggered strong reactions from both the public and political leaders. BJP MP Tejasvi Surya raised concerns during the Zero Hour in Parliament, urging authorities to reassess the fare structure and make it more affordable. He also took to social media, writing, “Urged the concerned authorities to review the anomalies in the fare structure and rationalise the ticket prices to make it more affordable for the common man.”

At the Zero Hour in Parliament today, I spoke on how the hike in Metro Prices is affecting the middle class in Bengaluru.

Highlighted how this fare hike has led to a 100% increase in the short-distance commute across several metro stations in Bengaluru, making Bengaluru Metro… pic.twitter.com/3atGsaYvB5

— Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) February 11, 2025

Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticised BJP leaders for blaming the state government. In a social media post, he stated, “The same BJP leaders who take credit for Bengaluru Metro’s expansion as the Centre’s achievement are now shifting the blame onto the Karnataka Government when there is public anger over the fare hike. This is nothing but self-deception and hypocrisy.”

What’s Next?

Amid growing opposition to the Bengaluru Metro fare hike, I want to present some key facts to the people of Bengaluru.

The @BJP4Karnataka leaders, who are now opposing the fare hike, are once again spreading false and misleading information to blame the Karnataka Government and…

— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) February 11, 2025

With public outrage growing, it remains to be seen whether the BMRCL or the Karnataka government will consider revising the fare structure. As the debate continues, commuters are left to bear the increased costs while hoping for a resolution that balances affordability and the metro’s operational needs.