Bengaluru’s Metro, once hailed as the city’s most reliable public transport lifeline, is now at the center of public anger. With over 10 lakh people—mostly students, office-goers, and IT/BT employees—depending on it daily, the recent fare hike by Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has made Namma Metro the most expensive metro service in the country.
For many commuters, the impact is immediate and harsh. A daily journey of more than 25 km now costs close to ₹90 per trip, not counting the additional expense of autos, cabs, or feeder services needed for first and last-mile connectivity. This heavy burden, citizens say, is discouraging public transport use and forcing a shift back to private vehicles—exactly the opposite of what Bengaluru needs to tackle traffic congestion and rising pollution.
The anger is compounded by a lack of transparency. BMRCL had earlier assured the Hon’ble Karnataka High Court that it would make the Fare Fixation Committee (FFC) report public, but has failed to do so. Critics argue that without accountability, fare hikes appear arbitrary and unfair.
Commuters and civic activists are now urging both the state government and BMRCL to put public interest first—release the FFC report, ensure affordability, and restore faith in the city’s Metro system.
For many commuters, the impact is immediate and harsh. A daily journey of more than 25 km now costs close to ₹90 per trip, not counting the additional expense of autos, cabs, or feeder services needed for first and last-mile connectivity. This heavy burden, citizens say, is discouraging public transport use and forcing a shift back to private vehicles—exactly the opposite of what Bengaluru needs to tackle traffic congestion and rising pollution.
The anger is compounded by a lack of transparency. BMRCL had earlier assured the Hon’ble Karnataka High Court that it would make the Fare Fixation Committee (FFC) report public, but has failed to do so. Critics argue that without accountability, fare hikes appear arbitrary and unfair.
Commuters and civic activists are now urging both the state government and BMRCL to put public interest first—release the FFC report, ensure affordability, and restore faith in the city’s Metro system.
