After Karnataka CM's nudge, Bengaluru Metro caps fare hike at 71%

Bengaluru Metro to cap maximum fare hike at 71% to fix anomalies

Hours after Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah directed Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited to reduce 'abnormal' metro fare hikes, BMRCL capped the maximum increase at 71 percent after passengers complained of 100 percent fare hikes.

Speaking to reporters, BMRCL MD M Maheshwara Rao admitted that there were some errors in the calculation of certain fare slabs and said that the recalibrated fare slabs would come into effect on February 14.

Also, read: Bengaluru Metro fare hike: Karnataka CM asks BMRCL to reduce 'abnormal increases'

"Of the 4,624 station combinations, we found that over 380 had fare increases of more than 90 percent, so we are rectifying them. We have decided to cap the maximum fare hike at 71 percent," he said.

However, the minimum and maximum fares will remain Rs 10 and Rs 90, respectively, making it the costliest Metro in the country. "Around 46% of commuters (2,91,418 passengers) will benefit from the revised fare matrix," said Rao.

While daily ridership has fallen by 8-10 percent since the fare hike, BMRCL expects an additional daily revenue of Rs 1 crore, increasing the existing revenue of Rs 1.8–1.9 crore due to the fare hike.

Also, read: Bengaluru Metro fare hike sparks political row; BMRCL to review anomalies

Unlike other metro operators, Bengaluru Metro mandates a minimum balance of Rs 90 in smart cards and does not offer any discounts for QR code users.

"The 5 percent discount will be given only to smart card users, as the Fare Fixation Commission wants to promote the National Common Mobility Card. Therefore, there will be no discount for QR code users," said an official.

BMRCL officials said they have implemented the fare revision on February 9, 2025, based on the Fare Fixation Committee (FFC) recommendations. "FFC recommendations are binding under the Metro Railway (Operations & Maintenance) Act. After two days of deliberations, BMRCL revisited the fare matrix to address commuter concerns without violating FFC guidelines. The corporation reiterated its commitment to providing affordable mobility while upholding the integrity of the fare structure," a statement from BMRCL said.

Also, read: Bengaluru Metro fare hike: Siddaramaiah says no control over BMRCL’s decision, Tejasvi Surya raises issue in Parliament