Bengaluru Metro Fare Hike: Namma Metro in Bengaluru has become India’s most expensive metro service after a significant fare increase in February 2025, raising concerns about affordability.
Affordability Concerns: Increased fares impact low and middle-income commuters, making daily travel expensive, contradicting national policies on affordable transport. A commuter mentioned paying ₹9 more for each trip, which adds up to ₹18 daily and over ₹500 a month.
High Court Intervention Declined: The Karnataka High Court declined to intervene in the fare hike decision, disappointing many commuters.
Fare Revision Details: Maximum ticket prices increased by 50%, with fares for longer distances (over 30 km) now costing ₹90.
Discount Changes: QR code-based fare discounts were discontinued, and smart card discounts reduced, affecting commuter benefits.
Ridership Decline: Ridership data shows a noticeable drop after the fare hike, indicating a shift to alternative transport options.
Cost Comparison: Bengaluru Metro’s fares are higher compared to metros in Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata. Kolkata Metro is heavily subsidized by Indian Railways, keeping fares low.
BMRCL Justification: BMRCL cites rising operational costs, staff salaries, and loan repayment obligations as reasons for the fare hike. They have to repay ₹647.66 crore in loans and ₹122.94 crore in interest, bringing total liabilities to ₹770.60 crore for 2024-25.
Expert Criticism: Transportation experts criticize the fare hike as poorly planned and lacking transparency, emphasizing the need for gradual fare revisions.
Political Debate: The fare hike has sparked a political dispute between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP, each blaming the other.
Alternatives Becoming Economical: Increased metro costs make shared cabs or autos a more economical option for families, especially with limited feeder bus services and the ban on bike taxis.
