Bengaluru metro fare hike: MP PC Mohan raises 7 key questions to BMRCL
Namma Metro, the lifeline of Bengaluru, carries nearly 8 lakh passengers daily. For the first time since 2017, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has increased metro fares, with revised prices taking effect from February 9. BMRCL justifies the hike, citing rising operational costs. However, recent data indicates a decline in metro ridership post-hike, with many commuters opting for BMTC buses and private transport instead. While BMRCL claims the fare revision was necessary due to escalating expenses, citizens have voiced strong opposition, demanding lower ticket prices. Bengaluru Central MP PC Mohan has criticized the fare hike, urging BMRCL to focus on increasing revenue through non-ticket sources rather than burdening commuters. In a recent tweet, he posed seven critical questions to BMRCL:
How did operational costs rise by 366%
Has Metro’s revenue increased, or is it incurring losses?
What cost-cutting measures has BMRCL implemented
What are the primary reasons behind the fare hike
How does this fare hike compare to other metro systems
Will BMRCL release a detailed analysis justifying the increase?
Will it disclose financial data regarding expenses and revenues?
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had earlier directed BMRCL to reconsider the hike, leading to a reduction of the maximum fare increase from ₹100 to ₹71. However, commuters still find the revision confusing. With growing public discontent, authorities face mounting pressure to reassess the fare structure and ensure metro remains an affordable public transport option.
