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Bengaluru's Namma Metro commuters now have to pay more for metro travel as the revised fare structure took effect on February 9. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has implemented a 50 per cent fare hike, raising the maximum fare from Rs 60 to Rs 90 while keeping the minimum fare unchanged at Rs 10 for the first two km. The move, based on recommendations from the Fare Fixation Committee (FFC), has triggered public outrage, with many arguing that the hike is unjustified given the city's metro service limitations.

Bengaluru's Namma Metro, the second-largest metro network in India after Delhi Metro, recorded its highest daily ridership of 9.2 lakh in December 2024. However, overcrowding and low frequency remain persistent complaints despite daily revenue crossing Rs 2 crore.

When compared to metro fares in Delhi and Mumbai, Bengaluru’s revised fare structure is now the costliest. While Delhi Metro’s maximum fare stands at Rs 60 and Mumbai Metro’s at Rs 80, Bengaluru commuters will now have to pay up to Rs 90 for longer distances.

In Delhi Metro, fares start at Rs 10 for distances up to 2 km, increasing to Rs 20 for 2-5 km, Rs 30 for 5-12 km, Rs 40 for 12-21 km, Rs 50 for 21-32 km, and capping at Rs 60 for distances beyond 32 km.

Mumbai Metro follows a similar pricing model, beginning at Rs 10 for up to 3 km, Rs 20 for 3-12 km, Rs 30 for 12-18 km, Rs 40 for 18-24 km, Rs 50 for 24-30 km, Rs 60 for 30-36 km, Rs 70 for 36-42 km, and peaking at Rs 80 for distances beyond 42 km.

Meanwhile, Bengaluru Metro's revised fare structure starts at Rs 10 for 0-2 km, Rs 20 for 2-4 km, Rs 30 for 4-6 km, Rs 40 for 6-8 km, Rs 50 for 8-10 km, Rs 60 for 10-15 km, Rs 70 for 15-20 km, Rs 80 for 20-25 km, and a maximum fare of Rs 90 for distances above 25 km, making it the most expensive metro in the country.

The fare hike follows the recommendations of the Fare Fixation Committee, which submitted its report on December 16, 2024. The three-member panel, headed by retired Madras High Court judge Justice R Tharani, included Satyendra Pal Singh, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, and EV Ramana Reddy, former Additional Chief Secretary of Karnataka. The committee examined metro systems in India and globally before suggesting a tariff revision aimed at balancing affordability with financial sustainability.

The fare hike has triggered sharp criticism from Bengaluru commuters, who argue that Namma Metro’s frequency, last-mile connectivity, and infrastructure do not justify such high fares. Many have pointed out that Delhi Metro, despite its lower fares, offers better connectivity and more frequent trains. Adding to commuters’ woes, the Karnataka government has also increased bus fares by 15 per cent, making public transport in Bengaluru significantly costlier.

One of the netizens said, "BMRCL is not a private company to demand and loot money from the public. Delhi, with such a long network, doesn’t charge more than Rs 50, and you idiots are charging Rs 90. Now I will prefer my own vehicle."

Another user expressed frustration, saying, "Overnight, Bengaluru Metro fares have doubled. What are these people even thinking? Vajarahalli to Jayanagar used to cost Rs 23.75, now it is Rs 47.50. Horrible move by the Karnataka government."