Karnataka BJP hits out at Bengaluru Metro move to introduce user charges in unpaid areas

BY Vijayendra

Karnataka BJP state president BY Vijayendra has slammed the Bengaluru Metro's decision to introduce user charges for toilets in the unpaid areas of 12 metro stations.

Citing a Moneycontrol report, he wrote on X: “After a brutal 71% fare hike, the @INCKarnataka government in Karnataka has stooped to a new low — charging people to use toilets in the unpaid areas of 12 Bengaluru metro stations! In a city already grappling with rising costs and crumbling infrastructure, Congress has now found a way to monetise even basic human needs.”

Also Read: After 71% hike, Bengaluru Metro introduces user charges for toilets at 12 stations

He further stated: “Let me remind the Congress government that the Hon’ble Supreme Court has clearly ruled that access to sanitation is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution — an essential part of the right to live with dignity. But in the Congress playbook, even toilets are a revenue stream.”

After a brutal 71% fare hike, the @INCKarnataka government in Karnataka has stooped to a new low charging people to use toilets in the unpaid areas of 12 Bengaluru metro stations! In a city already grappling with rising costs and crumbling infrastructure, Congress has now found a pic.twitter.com/jVQXBLldQ8
Vijayendra Yediyurappa (@BYVijayendra) May 22, 2025

“From taxing the poor through inflated fares to now commercialising public toilets, the government has effectively turned into a legalised extortion racket. This isn’t governance; it’s shameless profiteering at the cost of the common citizen,” he added.

“Under PM @narendramodi ji’s Swachh Bharat vision, public toilets were meant to be free and accessible to all, especially in high-footfall areas like metro stations. But Congress has reduced this vision into Pay-Per-Pee politics. What next? Entry fees to breathe air in Cubbon Park?” he said.

According to officials of the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), the toilets in the unpaid areas of these 12 stations have been handed over to Sulabh International. The NGO will maintain the facilities and collect user charges — Rs 2 for urinals and Rs 5 for toilets.

Also Read: Why Bengaluru Metro's fare hike of up to 71% has raised hackles

The affected stations include National College, Lalbagh, South End Circle, Jayanagar, Rashtriya Vidyalaya Road, Banashankari, Jaya Prakash Nagar, Yelachenahalli, Sir M Visvesvaraya Station – Central College, Dr BR Ambedkar Station – Vidhana Soudha, Cubbon Park, and Krantivira Sangolli Rayanna Railway Station.