Bengaluru Metro Fare Hike Sparks Commuter Outrage and Political Clash
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited's (BMRCL) decision to increase Namma Metro fares for the second year in a row has ignited fierce criticism from daily commuters across the city. Many have accused the agency of exploiting passengers, contending that repeated fare hikes contradict the fundamental goal of encouraging public transportation usage.
Students and Regular Commuters Bear the Brunt
Students, who heavily depend on the Metro for their daily travel, are expected to be disproportionately affected by this fare adjustment. Unlike numerous other metro systems nationwide, BMRCL does not provide concessional monthly passes for students, exacerbating the financial strain on this demographic.
Last year, following recommendations from the fare fixation committee (FFC), BMRCL initially proposed fare increases exceeding 110%. After facing significant public backlash, the corporation revised the fare structure, limiting the maximum hike to 71%. However, this latest increase has renewed frustrations.
Vijay S, a commuter, voiced his concerns on social media platform X, stating, "Metro fares in Bengaluru are already among the highest when compared to similar urban transit systems. Implementing an annual fare hike is unjustifiable. Public transport should not operate as a profit-centric business. A Metro system funded by public money carries a social responsibility to remain affordable, inclusive, and accessible to all."
Commuters Question the Logic Behind Higher Fares
Rajesh Naidu, another frequent Metro user, highlighted a potential counterproductive outcome. "Affordable fares naturally boost ridership and overall revenue, whereas high fares deter people from using the Metro. Why is BMRCL overlooking this straightforward economic principle?" he questioned.
Shreelata Patro, a law student who commutes from Trinity to Byappanahalli, pointed out service deficiencies. "The trains during peak morning and evening hours are overcrowded, often with no standing room available. There has been no increase in train frequency. My friends traveling on the yellow line mention waiting 15-20 minutes if they just miss a train. What rationale supports a fare increase when there are no corresponding service improvements?"
Shivraj Desai, a consultant in the banking sector, expressed reconsidering his Metro usage. "Considering the rising costs and extreme congestion on trains, it might be time to reevaluate relying on the Metro. The government should incentivize public transport to reduce road vehicles and alleviate traffic, but current actions seem to achieve the opposite."
Personal Financial Strain on Daily Riders
Nimisha Kini (22), a regular commuter, shared her financial burden. "I spend between Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000 monthly on Metro travel. I reside far from my workplace, but with these escalating expenses, I must now deliberate whether to relocate closer or continue bearing the Metro costs. This hike is even hindering my ability to live with my family."
Yuktha Chougule (27), a medical student commuting from Jayanagar to Challaghatta, criticized the repetitive hikes. "Last year, BMRCL significantly raised fares and slightly reduced them after public outcry. Now they have increased fares again. This approach is illogical and takes commuters for granted. For students like us, even a minor hike is substantial. We rely on family support and receive minimal stipends. The Metro is our only option to avoid spending hours on the road for a 15km journey."
Political Sparring Intensifies Over Fare Revision
The fare hike has also fueled political confrontations between BJP and Congress leaders. Bangalore South MP Tejasvi Surya demanded that the state government formally request the Central government to reconstitute the FFC and lower fares. "The chief minister and deputy chief minister should correspond with the Central government, stating the state's unwillingness to implement FFC recommendations and advocating for reduced fares. If they send such a letter, we will assume responsibility for decreasing fares," he asserted. Surya has urged the central government to reconstitute the FFC.
Surya further challenged Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and the BMRCL Managing Director to explain why Namma Metro fares rank among the highest in India. He alleged that prolonged project delays resulted in cost overruns, now being recouped from commuters.
In response, DK Shivakumar clarified that the state government has no involvement in Metro fare revisions, noting such decisions are made by the BMRCL Board, chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy retaliated, accusing the BJP of unjustly targeting the state government. "If the Central government is genuinely committed to reducing fares, it should direct BMRCL accordingly," he remarked. Reddy added that the state government shoulders a larger portion of Metro construction costs and called on the Centre to enhance subsidies to facilitate lower fares for Bengaluru's commuters.
