Bengaluru commuters may soon see another increase in Namma Metro fares, as the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has proposed a 5 per cent ticket price rise that awaits approval from the Karnataka government. This potential hike comes just a year after a steep fare escalation of up to 71 per cent, which already made Namma Metro one of India’s most expensive metro systems.
What’s Being Proposed
According to BMRCL sources, the planned revision would raise ticket costs gradually, with a minimum increase of ₹1 and a maximum of ₹5 depending on travel distance. For example, journeys such as Majestic to Whitefield or Bommasandra could move from ₹80 to ₹84 if the hike is approved, while shorter routes like Majestic to Challaghatta would rise from ₹60 to ₹63. The metro authority has suggested implementing this increase soon, arguing it’s necessary to balance rising operational costs.
Officials have reportedly told the state government that delaying a small hike now could lead to an even larger increase — up to 10 per cent — next year, adding urgency to the proposal.
Commuter Backlash and Political Opposition
The proposal has sparked strong opposition from daily riders and political figures alike. Many commuters point out that fares already surged significantly in 2025, causing financial strain given rising living costs and limited alternative transport options. Opponents argue frequent fare hikes risk pushing riders back to private vehicles, undermining efforts to reduce traffic congestion and pollution in the city.
Tejasvi Surya, the South Bengaluru Member of Parliament, has been particularly vocal, labelling the proposed hike “unscientific” and warning of protests at metro stations if it goes ahead. He has also urged authorities to reconsider the decision and re-examine how the fare fixation process works, stressing that transparency and commuter interests should be top priorities.
Why Fares Keep Rising
BMRCL’s annual fare revision plan stems from recommendations by the Fare Fixation Committee (FFC), which argued there hadn’t been a fare adjustment since 2017 and that costs have risen over time. In 2025, an initial committee report recommended gradual increases, but the fare hikes implemented were significantly steeper than those recommendations, prompting public criticism and legal challenges.
The prospect of another hike illustrates ongoing financial pressures faced by metro operators, who must maintain extensive infrastructure and service standards while managing deficits and expanding networks. However, commuters continue to push back, saying affordability should remain central to public transport policy.
What Happens Next
At this stage, the fate of the proposed fare increase lies with the Karnataka government, which must decide whether to approve the 5 per cent rise. With public anger simmering and political debates underway, authorities may face pressure to balance fiscal needs with commuters’ demands for affordable transport.
