'Abnormal': Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Urges Bengaluru Metro To Reduce Steep Fare Hike

The Congress-led Karnataka government has been under fire from the public and opposition alike over the steep revision in metro ticket prices.

Last Saturday, the BMRCL announced a revised fare structure, which more than doubled prices in certain sections.

Source : File Photo

Bengaluru: Facing mounting criticism over the fare hike in Namma Bengaluru Metro, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday urged the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to reconsider and reduce the increased fares.

The Congress-led Karnataka government has been under fire from the public and opposition alike over the steep revision in metro ticket prices. Following the hike, ridership dropped by approximately 80,000 passengers in the city.

Expressing concerns over the fare structure, CM Siddaramaiah stated, "The way Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has implemented the Bengaluru Metro fare revision has led to anomalies, with fares more than doubling in certain sections."

"I have asked the MD of BMRCL to urgently address these issues and reduce fares where increases are abnormal. Commuters' interests must be safeguarded," he said.

The way Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has implemented the Bengaluru Metro fare revision has led to anomalies, with fares more than doubling in certain sections.

I have asked the MD of BMRCL to urgently address these issues and reduce fares where increases are…

— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) February 13, 2025

 

Last Saturday, the BMRCL announced a revised fare structure, which more than doubled prices in certain sections. The new fares are as follows: Rs 10 for 0-2 km, Rs 20 for 2-4 km, Rs 30 for 4-6 km, Rs 40 for 6-8 km, Rs 50 for 8-10 km, Rs 60 for 10-15 km, Rs 70 for 15-20 km, Rs 80 for 20-25 km, Rs 90 for 25-30 km, and Rs 90 for distances beyond 30 km, as per a report on IANS.

On Thursday, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar distanced the state government from the decision, and told ANI, "We don't have any role. There is a committee for deciding fares. We have expressed our opinion, but the committee will take the final decision."

The fare hike has triggered political backlash with a BJP delegation meeting BMRCL MD M. Maheshwar Rao on Monday, demanding an immediate rollback, calling it the steepest Metro fare hike in the country.