Sipu Jha
BENGALURU: Namma Metro, among the most expensive Metro rail systems in the country, is set to become even more costly for commuters. After a steep fare hike of up to 71% last year, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is likely to implement another round of fare revision, further burdening passengers.
BMRCL sources said the Fare Fixation Committee (FFC) report is binding on the Metro operator and, as per its provisions, fares are set to increase by 5% with effect from Feb 9. BMRCL is likely to notify the new fares Thursday. At present, Namma Metro fares range from Rs 10 to Rs 90. The proposed hike is expected to translate into an increase of Re 1 to Rs 5, depending on the distance travelled.In Feb last year, based on FFC’s recommendations, BMRCL initially proposed a fare hike of over 110%. However, following widespread public backlash, the fare matrix was revised, capping the maximum hike at 71%. Despite strong opposition from commuters and elected representatives, who also flagged several alleged flaws in the FFC report, the revised hike was implemented. The issue also triggered political sparring between the BJP and Congress, but commuters ultimately found no relief.The FFC report empowered BMRCL to increase fares by 5% annually through an “automatic fare revision formula”. This mechanism will remain in force until new FFC recommendations come into effect. BMRCL has been maintaining that fare hikes are necessary to meet its financial obligations. In the last financial year (2024–25), it reported an operational profit of Rs 229.4 crore. However, its loss after tax widened to Rs 623.9 crore, compared with Rs 350.7 crore in 2023–24.Additional chief secretary of urban development department Tushar Giri Nath said, “The state govt has not issued any directions to BMRCL on fare revision. Decisions on fare revision are taken by the BMRCL board.”BMRCL MD J Ravishankar was not available for comments.
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