Even as the Opposition BJP blamed the Congress government for the steep hike in Bengaluru Metro Rail fares, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said that Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has increased fares based on a report submitted to the Centre by a three-member panel, led by R. Tharani, a retired judge of the Madras High Court.
Committee report
The committee comprising representatives of the Centre and the State constituted on September 16, 2024, was asked to submit a report on fare structure within three months. The committee submitted the report on December 16, 2024.
BMRCL had written to the Centre seeking revision in fare structure since fares have not been hiked since 2017. If the State government has the power to hike fares, why did it have to write to the Centre, the Chief Minister asked. He alleged that the BJP has been misleading the public on the metro rail fare hike by providing “false information” and provoking the public to stage protests, accusing the State government for it.
The committee had discussions with not only BMRCL officials but also officials of the Chennai and Delhi metro trains on revision of fares. BMRCL has to accept the committee’s recommendation and implement the fare hike, the Chief Minister affirmed.
In other states
The metro rail length in Bengaluru increased from 43.30 km in 2017 to 96.90 km. It is expected to increase to 175.55 km in December 2026. Minimum hike in fare was ₹10 while maximum was ₹60. In Mumbai, the minimum hike was ₹10 and maximum was ₹80, the Chief Minister said.
Knowing well that construction of the metro rail project was the responsibility of both the State and the Centre, the BJP acknowledging the public anger has been blaming the State government for fare hike. The State government has no discretion powers to hike fares, he said.
BMRCL is an autonomous institution. The State has no total control over the management of the BMRCL. Both State and the Centre contribute (50:50) equally to the project, the chief minister said.
Published – February 11, 2025 10:56 pm IST