Namma Metro hikes fares by 42 pc

BENGALURU: The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has got the approval of its board for hiking fares by 42 per cent, as recommended by the fare fixation committee at the meeting held on Friday.

The fare revision is being done for the first time in seven years. The official announcement is expected soon. The scheduled press conference of BMRCL is postponed for another day.

Currently, the minimum fare is Rs 10, and the maximum fare is Rs 65. The maximum fare might increase by 40 per which means it will increase to Rs 90. The new fares are likely to remain the same for the minimum fare, but increase for the maximum fare. The fare hike is expected to be implemented this month. The BMRCL has cited increased operational costs and expenses for the fare hike.

There’s a possibility that peak and non-peak hour fares will vary, with non-peak hours being 15 per cent cheaper. The BMRCL will officially announce the new fare structure and timings soon, holding a press meet.

Despite public objections, the committee has reported that the fare hike is necessary for the expansion of the Metro network, servicing loans and high operating costs. The board, which has reviewed all this, has said that it is in line with the committee’s suggestion.

There is a possibility of a decision being taken on fixing separate fares for peak and non-peak hours. The non-peak hour fare is likely to be about 15 pc lower than the peak hour fare. Accordingly, the non-peak hour is likely to be fixed from 12 noon to 4 pm, and the peak hour fare is likely to be fixed from 4 pm to the last Metro run.

Yashwant Chavan, Chief Public Relations Officer, BMRCL, said, “The fare fixation committee approved the Metro fares hike, but the price structures will be decided soon. The price revision is being done after seven years. Everything will be revealed in detail through a press meet”.