After 5% fare hike, Bengaluru’s Namma Metro retains tag of India’s costliest metro

Despite a smaller network than several metros, Bengaluru’s metro fares now stand higher than most major cities, drawing attention after the latest price revision by BMRCL.

Bengaluru’s Namma Metro has once again earned the label of being the most expensive metro rail system in the country. Operated by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), the metro already held this distinction, and the latest 5 per cent fare hike has only strengthened that perception.

With the revised pricing, Bengaluru Metro now charges a minimum fare of ₹11 for travel up to 2 kilometres, while the maximum fare goes up to ₹95 for journeys beyond 25 kilometres. The metro network currently spans 96 kilometres.

A comparison with other major Indian cities highlights the sharp difference in fares. Delhi Metro, which has the largest network at 394 kilometres, charges the same minimum fare of ₹11 but caps its maximum fare at ₹64 for trips beyond 32 kilometres. Hyderabad Metro, covering 69 kilometres, has fares ranging from ₹10 to ₹69, while Chennai Metro’s maximum fare stands at ₹50 despite covering longer distances.

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Mumbai Metro, with an 80-kilometre network, charges up to ₹80 for trips beyond 42 kilometres. Kolkata Metro remains the cheapest, with fares starting as low as ₹5 and a standard maximum of ₹24 for 25-30 kilometres, although some routes go up to ₹50. Cities like Lucknow, Kochi and Jaipur also have significantly lower maximum fares compared to Bengaluru.

The repeated fare hikes have triggered concerns among daily commuters, especially as Bengaluru’s metro network is still smaller than that of Delhi. The comparison has renewed debate over affordability and pricing policies of urban public transport in the city.