MetroFare – Political Row Intensifies Over Bengaluru Metro Pricing

MetroFare – A sharp political exchange has erupted in Karnataka over the proposed hike in Bengaluru Metro fares, with leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party and the ruling Congress trading accusations over who is responsible for the decision.

BJP Member of Parliament Tejasvi Surya has directly blamed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for the planned fare increase, arguing that the state government cannot distance itself from the move. The controversy has unfolded against the backdrop of an ongoing disagreement between the Congress-led Karnataka government and the Union government, with both sides disputing their respective roles in the fare revision process.

Surya Questions Chief Minister’s Stand

In a post shared on social media platform X, Surya referred to a message issued by Siddaramaiah last year in which the Chief Minister had directed a reduction in metro fares. The BJP MP questioned how the Chief Minister could now claim limited authority over fare decisions when he had earlier intervened in the pricing structure.

Surya argued that if the state government had the ability to recommend or order a reduction in fares previously, it could not now deny responsibility for the current hike. He maintained that the answer to the present dispute lies in the Chief Minister’s earlier actions and accused the state leadership of attempting to shift accountability.

Congress Blames Centre for Fare Hike

The Karnataka Congress responded by accusing the BJP and the Union government of double standards. In its own post on X, the party criticized BJP MPs for allegedly distancing themselves from the fare hike while simultaneously appealing to the Centre to temporarily pause the increase.

According to the Congress, if the Union government does not have the authority to determine metro fares, it cannot selectively intervene when public criticism intensifies. The party described the BJP’s position as contradictory and questioned its consistency on the issue.

The exchange highlights the growing tension between the state and the Centre over infrastructure and public transport policy in Karnataka, particularly in Bengaluru, where metro services are widely used by daily commuters.

Fare Fixation Committee Under Scrutiny

Earlier on Sunday, Surya stated that the Karnataka government had repeatedly approached the Fare Fixation Committee with requests to revise metro fares. He claimed that the state had proposed a five percent increase, a move he said would place additional financial pressure on commuters.

He further emphasized that periodic fare revisions are mandated under existing regulations and suggested that the current hike aligns with established procedures. However, the broader debate continues over who initiated and endorsed the latest proposal.

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has also weighed in, stating that he was not consulted about the fare hike. He pointed out that the Fare Fixation Committee is headed by a Union government-appointed official, implying that the Centre plays a key role in the process.

Commuters Caught in Political Crossfire

The political dispute comes at a time when Bengaluru residents are closely watching developments related to public transport costs. The Bengaluru Metro, often referred to as Namma Metro, serves as a vital commuting option for thousands of passengers across the city each day.

With inflation and rising living costs already affecting households, any increase in metro fares is likely to draw public attention. Both the state government and the Centre have faced questions about transparency in decision-making and the extent of their respective responsibilities.

As the debate continues, clarity on the fare structure and the final decision from the authorities will be crucial for commuters seeking stability in transportation expenses. For now, the proposed hike remains a subject of intense political discussion rather than administrative consensus.