Daijiworld Media Network- Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Feb 8: Commuters using Namma Metro will have to pay higher fares starting February 9, as the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has announced a fare revision. Under the new structure, the maximum fare will increase from Rs 60 to Rs 90, while the minimum fare will remain unchanged at Rs 10 for journeys up to two kilometers.
Revised fare structure and discounts
As per BMRCL, the fare hike is based on recommendations from the Fare Fixation Committee. The revised pricing includes incentives for smart card users, such as:
5% discount on regular fares.
10% discount on weekends and national holidays.
Additional 10% discount for smart card users during non-peak hours.
Officials believe these measures will encourage digital transactions and ease congestion at ticket counters.
Revenue impact and justification
At present, BMRCL earns approximately Rs 2 crore daily from metro operations. With the revised fares, the corporation expects additional revenue of around Rs 80 lac per day, depending on passenger footfall.
The fare revision follows a detailed review by a committee headed by retired Madras High Court judge Justice R. Tharani, along with Satyendra Pal Singh, additional secretary at the ministry of housing and urban affairs, and E V Ramana Reddy, former additional chief secretary of Karnataka. The panel compared fare structures of metro systems across India and internationally before finalising its recommendations.
Central government’s stand
The last metro fare revision in Bengaluru took place in June 2017. While reports had earlier suggested a delay in fare implementation following intervention from the central government, Bengaluru Central MP P C Mohan had stated that BMRCL was instructed to put the hike on hold. However, BMRCL has now confirmed that the new fare structure will be enforced from February 9 as planned.
Commuters will now have to factor in the increased travel costs as they await further updates on possible modifications or additional concessions in the future.