Bengaluru sees spike in pollution after Namma Metro fare hike

Bengaluru's air pollution levels have surged following the Namma Metro fare hike on February 9, as commuters shift to road transport. Data from the National Air Quality Monitoring Centre indicates a rise in pollutants, aligning with a decline in metro ridership. A study by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) also supports this correlation.

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The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) has reported a 10.5% drop in daily metro usage since the fare revision. Officials acknowledge the decline and are assessing its long-term impact. Many regular passengers have turned to alternative modes of transport, citing increased travel expenses.

Research from IISc’s Sustainable Transportation Lab suggests that former metro users are now opting for buses, two-wheelers, and private vehicles. Preliminary findings indicate that this shift may be influencing air quality. Pollution data recorded before and after the fare hike shows a significant increase in particulate matter (PM 2.5), especially during peak hours. On February 10, PM 2.5 levels in Jayanagar 5th Block spiked to 112-114 micrograms per cubic meter, up from 43-54 micrograms before the hike.

Experts point to increased traffic congestion and construction dust as key factors contributing to deteriorating air quality. The situation underscores the need for policies that encourage public transport use to curb vehicular emissions and mitigate pollution in the city.