Metro fare hike debate resurfaces after internal audit by BMRCL

Bengaluru: The debate over a possible hike in metro ticket fares has resurfaced in Bengaluru following the completion of an internal audit by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL).

Earlier, a proposed five per cent increase in metro ticket fares had been announced but was temporarily put on hold. Subsequently, Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar directed BMRCL to conduct a detailed audit of its expenditure, including operational costs, staff salaries, maintenance and energy expenses, before taking a final decision on the fare revision.

According to sources, the internal audit has now been completed and BMRCL is preparing to submit the findings to the Deputy Chief Minister. With the audit exercise concluded, discussions on revising fares have once again gained momentum within official circles.

Officials indicate that instead of the earlier proposed five per cent hike, a marginal increase of one to two per cent may be considered. However, there is also speculation that the fare revision could exceed the initially proposed rate, depending on the financial assessment and operational requirements highlighted in the audit report.

Under existing norms, any revision in metro fares requires the constitution of a new fare fixation committee. In this context, BMRCL Managing Director is expected to write to the Secretary of the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs seeking approval to convene a board meeting.

A final decision on the extent of the fare hike is likely to be taken after the board deliberations. While officials maintain that rising operational costs necessitate a revision, metro commuters have voiced strong opposition to any increase in ticket prices.

Many passengers argue that fare hikes would place an additional burden on daily commuters already grappling with inflation. If the fare hike is implemented, it could also trigger fresh friction between the state and central governments over financial responsibilities and public transport subsidies.

For now, although the quantum remains uncertain, indications suggest that a fare increase is more likely than a rollback—leaving regular metro users bracing for higher travel costs in the near future.

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