BMRCL announces zone-wise fare revision from February 9

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) announced a zone-wise fare revision effective from February 9, under its Annual Automatic Fare Revision mechanism. The revised structure brings a marginal increase of ₹1 to ₹5 across 10 fare zones, with fares recaliberated based on distance slabs across the Namma Metro network.

In a release issued on Thursday, the BMRCL said that the decision follows the recommendations of the First Fare Fixation Committee (FFC) constituted under the Metro Railways (Operation and Maintenance) Act, 2002. The committee had examined the financial sustainability of metro operations and the impact of past fare revisions on commuters.

According to the release, the FFC observed that the previous fare revision, carried out after a gap of seven and a half years, along with the optimisation of fare zones from 29 to 10, had resulted in an average fare increase of 51.55%, triggering widespread commuter dissatisfaction. To prevent a repeat of such sharp hikes, the committee recommended a transparent Annual Automatic Fare Revision Formula, linked either to operating and maintenance (O&M) costs or capped at 5% per annum, whichever is lower, with fares rounded off to the nearest rupee.

The BMRCL clarified that although audited financial data shows a 10.20% increase in costs based on a comparison of financial years 2024-25 and 2023-24, the fare hike has been restricted to 5%, in line with the FFC’s stipulation.

“In keeping with the recommendations of the FFC, which are binding on the BMRCL, the Annual Automatic Fare Revision mechanism will be implemented with effect from February 9, on the expiry of one year from the implementation of the FFC’s recommended fares on February 9, 2025,” the release said.

The BMRCL also assured commuters that all existing discounts will continue. Smart card and National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) users will receive a 5% discount during peak hours, 10% during non-peak hours, and 10% on Sundays and three designated national holidays. The annual increase of 5% shall also be applicable on Tourist Cards/Group Tickets.

Meanwhile, reacting to the hike in Namma Metro fares, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday said the State government has not given any approval and that no file related to a fare revision has reached him so far.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Shivakumar said, “There is a committee to decide on the metro fare. I have not received any official information. I have only seen reports in the media.”

Responding to questions on who is responsible for fare fixation, he clarified that the decision does not lie with the State government. “Though the State has four representatives on the fare revision committee, the final decision will be taken by the Centre,” he said.

Reacting to BJP leaders’ criticism that the State could change the committee members, Mr. Shivakumar asked why the Centre does not appoint someone from Karnataka as the Chairman. “The Centre contributes only 12% to 13% to the metro project, yet the Chairman is from the Centre,” he noted.

On whether Bengaluru Metro fares are higher than in other cities, Mr. Shivakumar said he would compare the data.