Political tussle breaks out over metro fare hike

The recent fare hike by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has sparked a political tussle between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP in Karnataka, with both parties blaming the other for the fare hike.

On Monday, BJP leaders, including Basavanagudi MLA Ravi Subramanya, met BMRCL Managing Director and submitted a memorandum demanding a rollback of the metro fare hike. Speaking to the media, Mr. Subramanya criticised the Congress government, stating, “BMRCL is not here to generate profit; it is a public transport system meant to serve the people. However, the Congress government is burdening citizens by increasing fares. The Congress in Karnataka has raised the prices of essential commodities, from milk to alcohol, and now from bus to metro fares, making life difficult for the people.”

The Congress, in response, denied the BJP’s allegations and argued that the fare hike was not a decision of the State government. Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said, “BMRCL revised fares following recommendations from the fare fixation committee, which was constituted by the BJP-led Centre on September 7, 2024. Let the BJP explain to the people who are actually responsible for the increase in metro fares.”

Further defending the Congress government, Mr. Reddy pointed out that if the State was responsible for the fare revision, then why had Bengaluru Central MP P.C. Mohan written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking a reduction in metro fares recently.

Mr. Mohan recently claimed that the Union government had put the proposed 45 per cent fare hike on hold. “The Modi government has directed BMRCL to submit a comprehensive report before making any decision. A big win for the people of Bengaluru — ensuring transparency, accountability, and fair metro pricing,” Mr. Mohan wrote on his official X account. However, a week later the fare hike was implemented, indicating the hike was cleared by the Union government.

Meanwhile, BJP workers staged protests at multiple metro stations across the city, including Jayanagar, Vijayanagar, Dasarahalli, Madavara, Halasuru, and Kengeri Bus Terminal, on Monday evening, opposing the fare hike and demanding its rollback.