BMRCL likely to hike fares again in February

BENGALURU: It’s been seven to eight months since the Bengaluru Metro, a major transportation lifeline for the city’s residents, hiked fares by 71 per cent in February, and now there is talk of another fare hike coming early next year.

The fare revision committee of the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has recommended a 5 per cent annual increase in fares, which could make the Namma Metro one of the most expensive modes of transportation in the country.

The BMRCL has published the report on its website, but there are errors in it, and many are criticising the decision, saying that the ticket prices are already high and need to be revised and corrected. The fare fixation committee, headed by a retired High Court judge, has recommended a 5 per cent fare hike every February.

Going by the committee’s report, Metro fares are likely to increase again in February 2026. Traffic expert Satya Shekhar has pointed out that commuters are already paying Rs 5-10 more than necessary, and the BMRCL should rectify its mistakes.

There are also allegations that the BMRCL provided incorrect information to the fare revision committee, resulting in an estimated Rs 100 crore being collected from passengers as excess fare.