Metro fare hike, official announcement today

After the recent bus fare increase, Bengaluru’s Namma Metro will also raise its fares. In a high-level meeting held, the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) confirmed the fare revision, with the official announcement expected today in a press conference.

The fare revision process has been underway for some time. A committee formed to review fare adjustments visited cities like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Delhi to study their fare revision processes. Their findings have contributed to the proposed hike. It has been 8 years since the metro fare was revised, with the last increase being between 10-15% in 2017. According to officials, the fare hike is necessary due to rising operational costs, maintenance expenses, and interest on loans for metro expansion. Over the next five years, Namma Metro is set to expand by 220 kilometers.

The proposed fare hike is expected to range between 15% and 20%, with ticket prices varying from ₹10 to ₹60 depending on the distance. A report by the committee suggests increasing the fares by 40-45%, while also offering discounts during non-peak hours and on public holidays. The goal is to make travel more affordable during less busy times to attract more passengers. The fare revision is part of Namma Metro’s long-term strategy to make the system financially sustainable while catering to the growing demand for metro services. The BMRCL is also exploring ways to improve commuter experience by introducing more advanced technologies and enhancing station facilities.