Namma Metro’s 45% fare hike put on hold, BJP MP calls it ‘big win for people of Bengaluru’

In a post on X, Mohan said, “BMRCL’s proposed 45% metro fare hike, set for Feb 1, has been put on hold. The Modi government has directed BMRCL to submit a comprehensive report before making any decision. A big win for the people of Bengaluru—ensuring transparency, accountability, and fair metro pricing.”

BMRCL’s proposed 45% metro fare hike, set for Feb 1, has been put on hold. The Modi government has directed BMRCL to submit a comprehensive report before making any decision. A big win for the people of Bengaluru—ensuring transparency, accountability, and fair metro pricing. pic.twitter.com/5LBJT70mX2

— P C Mohan (@PCMohanMP) January 29, 2025

Mohan even urged the BMRCL to reconsider the proposed ticket price increase, citing a shift of passengers from public to private transport. Speaking to The Indian Express, Mohan said, “Since the BMRCL is a special purpose vehicle consisting of MoHUA and the Karnataka government, the Centre can intervene and direct the BMRCL to put the fare hike on hold for now. I have been advising the Metro to increase the non-fare revenue instead to keep up with the rising operational costs.”

Hope to get approval for fare hike soon: BMRCL

However, a BMRCL spokesperson said the Centre had not stopped the fare hike. “While the board has approved it, we also need a final approval on the proposed revised fares from the Centre. We hope to get the approval soon,” said the spokesperson.

The proposed fare hike is the first revision by the BMRCL since 2017 and comes just two weeks after the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) raised its ticket and pass prices by 15 per cent. The current Metro fares range from Rs 10 to Rs 60, with Smart Card users receiving a 5 per cent discount.

The fare revision is based on recommendations from a committee led by a retired high court judge, which included input from public consultations. However, this decision has faced criticism from commuters who are unhappy with the lack of improvements in Metro services. Common complaints include inadequate service frequency on the operational lines and delays in opening the Yellow Line, which runs from R V Road to Bommasandra, due to a shortage of coaches.

Bengaluru Metro, also known as Namma Metro, 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 with the Baiyappanahalli-MG Road route, it has faced financial challenges, incurring a cumulative loss of Rs 1,280 crore over the past three years. However, the BMRCL reported reduced 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.