Bengaluru Metro Fares To Rise As BMRCL Faces Losses, BJP MP Slams '45 Per Cent Hike' Without Service Improvement

The board of Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has given the green light for an increase in metro ride fares in Bengaluru. Details regarding the magnitude of the fare hike and the date it will come into effect will be officially announced shortly.

This is the first fare adjustment by BMRCL since 2017, coming only a fortnight after the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation raised its ticket and pass prices by 15 percent.

The existing fare for the Metro varies between Rs 10 and Rs 60, and those who use a Smart Card receive a 5 per cent discount. Currently, the BMRCL runs a network of 77 km, divided into the Purple Line of 43.5 km and the Green Line of 33.5 km.

“The exact extent of the hike, along with details of concessions for Smart Cards and other ticketing systems, will be disclosed soon,” a BMRCL spokesperson was quoted as saying by Indian Express.

The corporation has been operational since 2011, starting with the Baiyappanahalli-MG Road route. However, it has encountered monetary difficulties, accumulating a total loss of Rs 1,280 crore in the last three years.

The company revealed a decrease in losses, dropping from Rs 476 crore in the fiscal year 2022-23 to Rs 341 crore in 2023-24. This was partially attributed to the daily ridership hitting 8.5 lakh on regular weekdays that weren't holidays.

The proposed adjustment in fare is rooted in the suggestions put forth by a committee, headed by a retired high court judge, following public discussions. This committee has suggested an increase in fares between 15-20 per cent.

However, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member of Parliament (MP) from Bangalore Central, P C Mohan expressed disappointment with the decision "to impose a 45 per cent fare hike."

A week ago, Mohan implored the Managing Director of BMRCL, Maheshwara Rao, to rethink the adjustment of Metro fares. He expressed concern that this could prompt individuals to shift from public to private transportation, which would ultimately lead to traffic congestion.

“BMRCL must act urgently to resolve key issues in its services. Overcrowding in Namma Metro has caused door malfunctions and disputes among passengers—this is unacceptable," Mohan said.

He urged the BMRCL to prioritise adding Metro coaches, expediting delayed lines, and improving operational efficiency along with enhancing security, streamlining entry and exit, and improving parking, queue systems, and last-mile connectivity.

"Hiking fares without fixing these issues for a better commute will force people to use private vehicles, worsening congestion. BMRCL must rethink its priorities," the BJP MP said on Friday (17 January).