Bangalore Metro Announces Annual Fare Increases Starting Next Year
Commuters using Namma Metro in Bengaluru will see their travel costs rise regularly. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited plans to implement fare hikes of up to five percent every year. This new pricing structure begins in February 2026.
Following Official Recommendations
The decision comes directly from the Fare Fixation Committee. This independent body submitted its report to BMRCL last year. The committee's recommendations carry legal weight under the Metro Railways Act of 2002.
BMRCL fully accepted the committee's previous report. That acceptance led to a major fare revision in February 2025. Ticket prices increased for the first time since 2017. On certain routes, passengers faced a staggering seventy-one percent jump in costs.
Financial Pressures Drive Changes
Metro officials proposed this annual revision system for clear financial reasons. They want a transparent formula for automatic fare adjustments. The goal is steadily improving the metro's operating ratio.
Without these regular increases, BMRCL warns of mounting losses. Projections suggest net losses could reach five hundred seventy-seven crore rupees by the 2029–30 financial year. The corporation shared these figures with media outlets.
Passengers Voice Strong Concerns
The news has sparked worry among daily metro users. Many commuters still feel the pinch from last year's substantial price increase. Now they face the prospect of yearly hikes instead of occasional adjustments.
"Metro travel is meant to be affordable, not a premium service," said Vinod Kumar, a regular passenger. He expressed frustration to reporters. "After last year’s hike, this feels like adding insult to injury."
Another commuter, Venkatesh, highlighted the practical dilemma. "It may not be cheap, but calling it a luxury service is a joke when trains are packed beyond capacity during peak hours," he stated. "It’s either pay more for the Metro or lose hours stuck in traffic. Either way, citizens are paying the price."
Potential Citywide Consequences
Experts warn these repeated fare increases could backfire. Higher costs might push passengers away from the metro system. Many could return to using buses or private vehicles instead.
Such a shift would worsen Bengaluru's notorious traffic problems. The city's roads already struggle with severe congestion during rush hours. Reduced metro ridership would place more vehicles on these crowded streets.
Criticism of Fare Calculation Methods
Transportation specialist Satya Arikutharam strongly criticized the proposed hikes. He called the move highly unjust toward commuters. According to his analysis, passengers already pay nearly thirty-two percent extra due to flawed formula application.
Arikutharam suggested weak public opposition enabled BMRCL's planning. He emphasized that elected representatives must support citizens. They should demand greater accountability from metro authorities regarding fare structures and financial management.
The coming years will test Bengaluru's commitment to affordable public transport. Regular commuters now face budgeting for annual metro fare increases alongside other living costs.
