News Brief
Bengaluru Metro To 'Calibrate' Fare Structure Amid Public Backlash; Adjustments To Benefit 3 Lakh Commuters
Bangalore Metro (Photo by Jagdeesh MV/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)
After widespread criticism over the steep increase in Bangalore Metro fares, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has announced that it will make calibrations to the revised fare structure, providing relief to nearly 46 per cent of commuters.
Managing Director M Maheshwar Rao clarified that while there would be no reversal of the fare hike, certain adjustments would be made to ease the financial burden on passengers, reported PTI.
The fare revision, which came into effect last Sunday, led to significant public outcry, with commuters highlighting cases where fares had more than doubled.
Rao acknowledged these concerns, stating, “We were able to find out that in some cases the hike is over 100 per cent or 90 per cent. Some people have complained that those who were paying Rs 18 are now spending Rs 40 for the same distance.”
He further noted that some Metro card users were payer fares of Rs 36 instead of Rs 40, while others who previously paid Rs 22 were now paying Rs 50.
Rao explained that calibration of fare stages would correct certain miscalculations, effectively reducing the burden for around three lakh commuters daily.
“Out of the total 7.5 lakh to 8.5 lakh rides everyday, around three lakh people will get relief by these corrections. Because we will be able to reduce the jump,” he explained.
He said that the change has been done without diluting any of the recommendations, board discussions and the provisions of the Metro Railways Act.
Rao acknowledged that social media played a key role in highlighting the issue, prompting discussions with board members and stakeholders.
Defending the necessity of the fare hike, Rao pointed out that BMRCL remains a loss-making entity despite government subsidies.
“The total loan repayment that is to be made over the next four years ranges between Rs 770 crore and Rs 2,700 crore, including principal and interest. Government gives us principal and the interest part has to be borne by the Metro Rail,” he stated.
Additionally, BMRCL must allocate funds for rolling stock replacement and infrastructure maintenance.
A BMRCL statement compared its fare structure with Delhi Metro and Mumbai Metro, noting that Delhi Metro’s fares were set in 2017 and Mumbai Metro’s maximum fare is Rs 80.
“Hence comparison with it is not appropriate,” the statement read.
Despite the adjustments, Rao reiterated that the Metro remains committed to providing efficient services while ensuring financial sustainability.
