Bengaluru, February 7: A political uproar has erupted in Karnataka over the proposed fare increase for the Bengaluru Metro, known as Namma Metro. Opposition leader and BJP MLA R. Ashok announced on the social media platform X that he had a detailed discussion with Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, regarding the fare hike. According to Ashok, Manohar Lal has directed that the proposed fare increase, set to take effect on February 9, be halted for now.
In his post, Ashok pointed out that the current fares for Bengaluru Metro are already the highest in the country. Any additional increase would impose a heavy burden on millions of daily commuters, working professionals, students, and citizens reliant on public transport. He stated that the Union Minister has instructed officials to suspend the fare hike. Manohar Lal assured that he would personally review the shortcomings and discrepancies in the fare fixation committee’s recommendations. If the state government makes a formal request, a new committee could be formed to ensure a scientific and rational adjustment of fares.
Ashok expressed gratitude on behalf of the people of Karnataka towards Manohar Lal and emphasized that it is now up to the Congress government to act in the public’s interest. He criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Karnataka Congress, urging the state government to abandon its rigid and insensitive stance and initiate the process of forming a new fare fixation committee. He stated, “Our struggle will continue until metro travel is affordable and accessible for every common citizen.”
On February 5, the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) announced a 5% annual fare increase, effective February 9. The minimum fare was set to rise from ₹10 to ₹11, while the maximum fare could reach ₹95. This increase followed last year’s substantial fare hikes of 50-71%, making Namma Metro the most expensive metro service in the country. Passengers and opposition parties have strongly criticized this decision.
The Congress government has claimed that fare determination is under central jurisdiction, while the BJP argues that the state government is not taking action despite having a majority on the BMRCL board. With Ashok’s intervention halting the fare increase, passengers are relieved, but the demand for a permanent solution continues. This issue remains a focal point of political debate in Karnataka, where the public is expecting affordable metro services.
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S.C.H.