Amid widespread public outrage over the steep increase in Bengaluru Metro fares, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday shifted responsibility to the state government, asserting that the fare fixation committee for the Metro is not based in Delhi. He stated that questions regarding the fare hike should be directed to the Chief Minister rather than the central government.
“The state government is aware of the city’s ground realities and should play a key role in decision-making for every Metro project. So please ask this question to the state Chief Minister,” Vaishnaw said at a press conference.
He reiterated that fare-related decisions rest with the state government, emphasizing that the Price Fixation Committee is not under Delhi’s jurisdiction. “The proposal for price fixation must be prepared by the state government,” he added.
The controversy erupted after the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) announced a fare hike last week, effectively doubling Metro prices in the city. BMRCL cited rising operational costs and the need to repay loans as reasons for the increase. Additionally, fares were raised by five percent during peak hours, mirroring surge pricing used by ride-hailing services.
Following public backlash and appeals to the state government, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah directed BMRCL Managing Director M Maheshwar Rao to address anomalies, particularly in sections where fares had doubled.
Bengaluru Central MP P C Mohan revealed that the fare hike had been under consideration for some time. However, according to him, the central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had instructed BMRCL to put the proposed increase on hold last month.
On January 29, Mohan posted on ‘X’ stating, “BMRCL’s proposed 45% metro fare hike, set for Feb 1, has been put 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.”
With inputs from PTI