Bengaluru, February 7: BJP leader and Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya criticized the recent fare hike for the Bengaluru Metro. He met with Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, and submitted a memorandum regarding the issue. Surya announced that the increased fares have now been suspended.
On social media platform ‘X’, Surya questioned Chief Minister Siddaramaiah about the halt in fare increases. He stated that he had a detailed phone conversation with Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, urging immediate intervention against the unjust fare hike proposed by the state government starting Monday.
Surya emphasized that Bengaluru already has the highest metro fares in India. Another increase would make public transport inaccessible for millions of citizens, undermining its purpose. He confirmed that the proposed fare hike will not take effect on Monday. He also assured a personal review of discrepancies in the Finance Commission and mentioned that a new committee could be considered if the state requests it.
He expressed gratitude for the prompt and sensitive response, highlighting it as an example of the central government’s prioritization of passenger welfare and the prevention of unjust hikes by the Congress-led state government.
Surya raised concerns about whether the state government would act in the citizens’ interest or hide behind falsehoods. He urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to take immediate action, formally initiate the process for a new Finance Commission, and facilitate a swift rationalization of fares. “CM Sir, will you respond? Will you act or not?” he asked.
Earlier, Surya accused the Congress-led Karnataka government of ignoring widespread public opposition and planning a significant fare increase effective February 9. He sought intervention from Minister Manohar Lal Khattar regarding this matter.