BMRCL To Revisit Metro Fare Hike After Commuter Backlash

Amid growing criticism over a significant fare hike, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has announced plans to review its recent ticket price increase. The decision comes in response to widespread commuter dissatisfaction, especially over hikes of 100 percent or more for daily riders.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, joining the chorus of concerns, urged BMRCL to reconsider the fare hikes on Thursday. His request followed complaints from passengers who felt the increase was too steep for regular commuters.

Revised Fare Matrix For Commuter Benefit

In a joint press conference, BMRCL Managing Director Maheshwar Rao, Director of Operations and Maintenance Sumit Bhatnagar, and Director of Finance S Sivamathan addressed the public’s concerns. Rao explained that the fare revision, which took effect on February 9, was in line with recommendations from the Fare Fixation Committee (FFC) and was legally binding. However, he emphasized that BMRCL had reexamined the fare structure to better accommodate the grievances of commuters.

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“We deliberated for two days and nights and revisited the fare matrix to find the best possible solution, while staying within the bounds of the FFC’s recommendations,” Rao stated. As a result of the new matrix, around 46 percent of commuters—nearly 291,418 passengers—will benefit from the adjusted fares.

While addressing concerns about affordability, Rao assured that there would be no change to the minimum (Rs 10) and maximum (Rs 90) ticket prices. In fact, if ticket prices have been set too high, BMRCL will reduce them. The corporation, he noted, is committed to providing mobility services while ensuring fairness for all commuters.

Financial Pressures Behind The Fare Hike

Despite the revision, BMRCL will continue to face financial challenges. Rao explained that the corporation would still incur losses for another four years, due to the need for security arrangements, facility maintenance, and rising operational costs. Additionally, BMRCL is tasked with meeting debt obligations and covering depreciation for its ageing infrastructure, all of which contributed to the decision to raise fares.

Rao also provided context for the fare increase, noting that the FFC recommended a 105.15 percent hike, which averages to a 51.55 percent increase (6.87 percent year-over-year). In comparison, the Delhi Metro’s fares currently range from Rs 10 to Rs 60, while Mumbai Metro fares span from Rs 10 to Rs 80.

Impact On Ridership And Next Steps

Following the fare increase, BMRCL has seen a significant drop in ridership, with approximately 80,000 fewer passengers using Namma Metro. Responding to this, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reiterated his call for BMRCL to urgently address the fare issue and reduce prices where increases were deemed excessive.

“I have asked the MD of BMRCL to urgently address these issues and reduce fares where increases are abnormal,” Siddaramaiah said. “Commuters’ interests must be safeguarded.”

The revised fare structure is set to come into effect on Friday, with the hope that the adjustments will alleviate commuter concerns while allowing BMRCL to maintain its financial stability.