After bus, Metro rides to get Costlier in Bengaluru as BMRCL approves Fare Hike

The current Metro fares range from Rs 10 to Rs 60 with Smart Card users getting a 5 per cent discount.

“The exact extent of the hike, along with details of concessions for Smart Cards and other ticketing systems, will be disclosed soon,” a BMRCL spokesperson said.

The BMRCL currently operates a 77 km network, with the Purple Line covering 43.5 km and the Green Line spanning 33.5 km. Since commencing operations in 2011 on the Baiyappanahalli-MG Road route, BMRCL has faced financial challenges, incurring a cumulative loss of Rs 1,280 crore over the past three years.

However, the corporation reported a reduction in losses from Rs 476 crore in 2022-23 to Rs 341 crore in 2023-24, partly due to daily ridership reaching 8.5 lakh on non-holiday weekdays.

The fare revision is based on recommendations by a committee led by a retired high court judge after public consultations. The committee has proposed a 15-20 per cent hike in fares.

Bangalore Central MP P C Mohan slammed the move “to impose a 45% fare hike”, saying he was “disappointed” by the decision.

Last week, Mohan had urged BMRCL Managing Director Maheshwara Rao to reconsider the revision of Metro fares, saying it would push people from public to private transport, eventually resulting in traffic congestion.

“BMRCL must act urgently to resolve key issues in its services. Overcrowding in Namma Metro has caused door malfunctions and disputes among passengers—this is unacceptable. BMRCL must prioritize adding Metro coaches, expediting delayed lines, and improving operational efficiency. It must also enhance security, streamline entry and exit, and improve parking, queue systems, and last-mile connectivity for a better commute. Hiking fares without fixing these issues will force people to use private vehicles, worsening congestion. BMRCL must rethink its priorities,” he said on Friday.