Namma Metro fare hike idea sparks strong backlash, Bengaluru commuters warn BMRCL

After a steep 75% hike last year, metro passengers oppose any fresh fare increase and demand an immediate rollback, warning of protests if prices go up again.

Metro commuters in Bengaluru have issued a strong warning to the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), opposing any further increase in ticket fares under any circumstances. Passenger groups have clearly stated that instead of raising prices again, BMRCL must reduce the fares that were sharply increased last year.

In 2025, BMRCL had implemented a sudden nearly 75% hike in metro ticket prices, which triggered widespread criticism from daily commuters and the public. Since then, metro users have consistently demanded a rollback of the increased fares, arguing that the hike placed a heavy financial burden on regular passengers. However, even after nearly a year, BMRCL has not reduced ticket prices.

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Now, with one year having passed since the last revision, commuters allege that BMRCL is preparing for another fare hike, citing internal calculations. The move is reportedly linked to recommendations made by the Fare Fixation Committee, which had suggested that metro fares could be increased by 5% every year.

Based on this recommendation, BMRCL is said to be considering a fresh fare revision as early as February, raising concerns among metro users. This possibility has triggered sharp reactions from commuter groups and civil society organisations.

The Save Bengaluru Committee and the Bengaluru Metro Commuters’ Association have jointly warned BMRCL against any fare increase. They have made it clear that if metro ticket prices are raised again, they will launch protests and intensify their agitation against the metro authority.

Commuters argue that instead of burdening passengers repeatedly, BMRCL should focus on making public transport affordable and passenger-friendly, especially at a time when many are already struggling with rising living costs.