After bus fare hike, Bengaluru Metro fare to increase as BMRCL board gives nod

Bengaluru Metro

The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) board, in a meeting on January 17, approved a proposal to increase metro fares.

Sources told Moneycontrol that the new fare structure is likely to come into effect from January 20 (Monday).

"The board has given its approval to the recommendation of the Fare Fixation Committee (FFC) to revise the fares. We will soon announce the revised fare structure," a senior BMRCL official said.

Also, read: Bengaluru faces transport fare hikes: After BMTC, autos and metro set to increase prices

Currently, the minimum token fare is Rs 10, and the maximum fare is Rs 60. Smart card users receive a 5% discount, which was reduced from 15% in 2020.

While there was a discussion to set the minimum fare at Rs 15, the maximum fare will increase from Rs 60 to Rs 80. However, BMRCL is yet to reveal the full revised fare structure.

Meanwhile, Bengaluru Central MP PC Mohan expressed disappointment over the fare hike, saying, "I am disappointed by BMRCL's decision to impose a 45% fare hike, despite my appeal to reconsider."

"Hiking fares without addressing these issues forces people to use private vehicles, worsening congestion. BMRCL must rethink its priorities," he wrote on X.

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 forces people to use private vehicles, worsening congestion. BMRCL must rethink its priorities. pic.twitter.com/fcut3idN2J
P C Mohan (@PCMohanMP) January 17, 2025

The Fare Fixation Committee (FFC), an independent body with quasi-judicial powers, recently reviewed operational cost data, consulted passengers and experts, and submitted its report to BMRCL.

Sources said the committee, which includes retired High Court judge Justice R. Tharani, Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs Additional Secretary Satinder Pal Singh, and retired IAS officer EV Ramana Reddy, recommended the fare increase.

The last fare revision was in 2017, following the completion of Phase 1 (42 km). Since then, the network has expanded to 76 km, including the Purple Line (Challaghatta–Whitefield) and the Green Line (Silk Institute–Madhavara).

As per Metro policy, fares are to be revised every two years. With the network expansion and the conversion of three-car coaches to six-car trains, officials have noted a rise in operational costs. However, there are concerns that fare increases could discourage public use of the Metro, especially considering high parking fees and last-mile connectivity challenges. Bengaluru Metro’s daily ridership currently stands at around 9 lakh.

It may be recalled that the state cabinet approved a 15 percent fare increase across four state transport corporations, including the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC). The new fares came into effect on January 5.

Also, read: Bengaluru Metro fares to be revised? Fare Fixation Committee seeks public suggestions