Bengaluru Metro fares to rise by 5% from February 9

Bengaluru Metro fares rise 5% from Feb 9; tickets now ₹11–₹95. BMRCL cites debt and FFC mandate, sparking commuter criticism over higher travel costs

Commuters in Bengaluru will soon pay more for metro travel, with fares set to increase by 5% across all ten fare zones starting February 9. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) confirmed that the minimum fare will rise from ₹10 to ₹11, while the maximum will move from ₹90 to ₹95. In cases where the hike results in fractional amounts, fares will be rounded to the nearest rupee. For example, a ₹30 ticket will now cost ₹32 instead of ₹31.5.

Background to the Hike

The revision follows recommendations made by the Fare Fixation Committee (FFC) in its 2024 report, which BMRCL is legally bound to implement under Section 33 of the Metro Railways (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2002. The last major fare adjustment occurred in February 2025, when fares rose by an average of over 50% before discounts. That increase, which sparked public backlash, was eventually capped at 71.43%.

BMRCL has argued that regular fare revisions are essential to maintain financial sustainability. Without annual adjustments, the corporation estimates losses could reach ₹577 crore by 2029–30. The metro currently carries significant liabilities, including loans worth ₹13,106.65 crore and subordinate debt of ₹21,521.23 crore. Between 2025–26 and 2029–30, it faces repayments of nearly ₹9,652 crore along with depreciation costs exceeding ₹5,700 crore.

Financial Support and Constraints

While the Karnataka government has provided Shadow Cash Support (SCS) in the past—covering cash losses and offering interest-free sub-debt—the BMRCL has indicated that such support may not continue given the state’s financial position. This has further strengthened the case for fare hikes.

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Public Response

The decision has drawn criticism from mobility experts and passenger groups. Independent analyst Satya Arikutharam described the hike as “unfair,” noting that Delhi Metro fares remain lower despite similar recommendations for increases years ago. Passenger association representative Prakash Mandoth suggested that the hike should apply only to token users, with exemptions for those using smartcards or QR codes.

Outlook

The new formula caps annual increases at 5% per fare slab or the rate determined by the FFC, whichever is lower. This framework will remain in place until the next committee review. For Bengaluru’s commuters, the adjustment means paying ₹1–₹5 more per trip, while for BMRCL, it represents a crucial step toward balancing operations and long-term debt obligations.

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