Karnataka Chief Minister Takes Stand Against Metro Fare Hike in Bengaluru
In a significant development, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced his intention to escalate the issue of the recent Bengaluru Metro fare increase to the central government. This move comes just a day after the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) implemented its second consecutive annual fare hike, sparking widespread concern among commuters, particularly daily users, students, and low-income groups.
CM Siddaramaiah Clarifies State Government's Limited Authority
Taking to social media platform X, Siddaramaiah used the hashtag #RollBackMetroFare to address public grievances. He firmly stated that the Karnataka government holds no jurisdiction over Metro fare revisions, attributing this power solely to the central government under the Metro Railways (Operation and Maintenance) Act, 2002. According to the CM, an independent fare fixation committee appointed by the Government of India is responsible for determining fares, with its recommendations being legally binding on BMRCL and beyond state intervention.
"I understand the concern and anguish of commuters over the recent fare revision. But the people of Karnataka must know the truth, not political deception," Siddaramaiah posted. He emphasized that blaming the state government is factually incorrect and misleading, urging transparency in the discourse.
Political Blame Game Intensifies Over Fare Hike
The Chief Minister did not hold back in criticizing the opposition BJP, accusing its leaders of failing to advocate for Karnataka's interests at the national level. He pointed out that BJP MPs had not raised the fare issue forcefully in Parliament, framing the hike as part of a broader pattern of neglect by the BJP-led Union government. Siddaramaiah cited reduced tax devolution, denied grants, and delayed infrastructure support as examples, vowing that Karnataka would stand with its people against such injustices.
In response, Bangalore South MP Tejasvi Surya challenged the state government to formally write to the Centre, promising that MPs would then push for fare reductions. Similarly, Bangalore Central MP PC Mohan questioned the CM's previous influence in moderating fare hikes, suggesting that if the state had power then, it should act now to lower fares.
Public Outcry and Activist Protests Mount
Meanwhile, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has condemned the fare increase, labeling it against public interest and accusing both state and central governments of shirking responsibility. The party has initiated a signature campaign among Metro commuters and highlighted the lack of concessions for elderly citizens and students in a letter to BMRCL. They argue that the hike imposes an additional financial burden on common people amid rising living costs.
Pro-Kannada activists have also staged protests against BMRCL, reflecting growing public discontent. Regular commuters expressed frustration with the political mudslinging between the BJP and Congress, noting that similar blame games in the past did not yield relief for passengers. They called for concrete steps to address the exorbitant fares rather than partisan disputes.
Balancing Financial Sustainability with Social Equity
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reiterated his commitment to urging the Centre to reconsider and rationalize Metro fares, aiming to balance financial sustainability with social equity. He stressed the need for fair treatment of vulnerable groups, including daily commuters and students, while ensuring the Metro system's operational viability. This stance underscores the ongoing tension between economic pressures and public welfare in urban transportation policies.
As the debate unfolds, the focus remains on whether collaborative efforts between state and central authorities can lead to a resolution that alleviates the burden on Bengaluru's Metro users without compromising the system's long-term health.
