Bengaluru Metro Faces 5% Fare Hike Decision as City Elections Approach
As Bengaluru prepares for elections to its five newly formed city corporations under the Greater Bengaluru Authority, a contentious issue is emerging once again. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited may raise Namma Metro fares by another 5% this February. This potential increase stems from the Fare Fixation Committee recommendations, which allowed BMRCL to hike fares last year on February 9.
Automatic Fare Revision Formula in Focus
Those same FFC recommendations grant BMRCL the authority to revise fares annually by 5% through an automatic fare revision formula. This mechanism remains active until a new FFC report receives official notification. Come February 9, BMRCL will mark one year since implementing a steep fare increase that triggered widespread public outrage.
Last year, fares initially jumped by over 110%, forcing BMRCL to adjust the hike to about 71% after intense backlash. Even after this revision, Namma Metro continues to hold the title of the most expensive metro system in India. This status draws consistent criticism from daily commuters and various citizen groups across the city.
Political and Public Backlash Intensifies
Several sections of society and elected representatives have demanded a complete rollback of the fare increases. They allege anomalies in the data BMRCL submitted to the FFC to justify the revision. However, BMRCL has repeatedly ruled out any reduction, maintaining that the FFC recommendations are legally binding on the corporation.
The fare hike also ignited a political slugfest between the BJP and Congress. BJP functionaries blamed the state government for burdening commuters with higher costs. The Congress countered by noting that BMRCL operates as a joint venture between the Centre and the state. They pointed out that the Union ministry of housing and urban affairs chairs its board, which decided to implement the FFC recommendations, thus sharing responsibility.
Election Timing Adds Crucial Dimension
With elections looming, the timing of any fresh fare hike has become critically important. In the past, governments have deferred bus fare revisions ahead of elections to avoid public anger. A further increase in Metro fares is likely to draw the ire of Bengalureans and could easily turn into a major flashpoint during the campaign season.
A senior BMRCL official stated, "It is a fact that the FFC recommended a 5% hike every year and that the FFC's recommendations are binding. However, the BMRCL management has not taken any decision on revising the fare."
Commuters Voice Financial Strain Concerns
Regular commuters have already begun expressing deep anguish over any move to further hike Metro fares. Ashish S, a frequent passenger, shared his perspective, "Another increase would impose a huge financial burden on daily users and make public transport unaffordable. After the previous hike, I spent Rs 4,000 a month on Metro travel. If BMRCL hikes fares again citing the FFC report, it will be detrimental to the use of public transport."
The situation places BMRCL in a delicate position, balancing regulatory mandates with public sentiment and political pressures as Bengaluru heads toward significant municipal elections.
