Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya revealed that, following discussions with Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, the proposed Bengaluru Metro fare increase has been put on hold. Surya expressed concerns over the potential fare hike, highlighting that Bengaluru already has the highest Metro fares in India, making public transport unaffordable for many citizens.
Surya commended the Union Minister for swiftly suspending the planned fare hike, ensuring that it will not be implemented from Monday onwards. He also mentioned the possibility of forming a new Fare Fixation Committee (FFC) if requested by the State Government. Surya emphasized the importance of the State Government acting in the best interest of citizens regarding Metro fares.
The MP urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to expedite the establishment of a new FFC and facilitate timely fare rationalization. Surya criticized the state government and the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) for considering another fare increase, despite concerns raised over the past year regarding high ticket prices. He clarified the process of fare fixation and highlighted the joint responsibility of the central and state governments in managing the Bengaluru Metro system.
