Bengaluru Metro fare hike put on hold, BMRCL postpones decision

There is currently a brake on the increase in fares of Namma Metro in Bengaluru. Amidst huge public protest and sharp rhetoric, Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has decided to postpone its decision. The new fares, announced on February 5, were to be implemented from February 9, but now it is said to be reviewed by the board.

What was the proposed fare plan?

BMRCL had planned to increase fares by Rs 1 to Rs 5 by dividing the 96.10 km long Namma Metro network into 10 zones. It was to be increased from Rs 10 to Rs 11 for up to 2 km. At the same time, for more than 30 km, the rate was fixed at Rs 95 instead of Rs 90. Whereas for 15-20 km, there was a preparation to charge Rs 74 instead of Rs 70.

Additionally, tourist passes and group tickets were also proposed to be increased by up to 5%, while smart card concessions (5% in peak hours and 10% in non-peak hours) were retained.

Counter charges

The decision to increase the fare brought a boil in the politics of Karnataka. The war of words intensified between BJP and Congress. Minister of State Priyank Kharge accused BJP of double standards. He said that PM Modi takes credit for the metro expansion, but the state government is blamed for increasing the fares. He clarified that the Fare Fixation Committee (FFFC) is appointed by the Center and its decisions are binding.

Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya called this ban a victory for the public. Taking aim at the Congress government, he said that due to mismanagement the state government has stopped giving subsidies, due to which Bengaluru Metro has become the most expensive metro in the country. He demanded a new committee to decide the fare in a scientific manner.

Why did the prices increase?

BMRCL argued that due to increase in operating costs, it is necessary to increase the fare gradually, so that there is no huge burden on the passengers all at once. However, experts believe that the financial condition of the state government and cut in subsidies also forced the metro administration to take this step.

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