The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) announced on Sunday, February 8, 2026, that the planned annual fare revision has been placed on hold. The decision comes after a week of political maneuvering between the Karnataka state government and the Centre, alongside growing public frustration over Namma Metro becoming the “costliest urban rail network” in India.
1. The Volte-Face: Why the Hike was Halted
The reversal follows a flurry of activity in both New Delhi and Bengaluru over the weekend:
- The Union Intervention: Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar reportedly instructed BMRCL to pause the hike after a request from Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya. Surya alleged “arithmetic errors” in the Fare Fixation Committee (FFC) report and criticized the state for withdrawing “Shadow Cash Support” (SCS).
- The Board Review: BMRCL stated that the matter will now be placed before its board. A final decision will only be communicated after a thorough review of the financial and public implications.
- The Commuter Backlash: Citizen forums and commuter groups had planned protests at major stations like RV Road and Majestic, arguing that the 5% annual hike was “unjust” given the massive 71% increase implemented in early 2025.
2. The Blame Game: State vs. Centre
The fare revision has triggered a sharp war of words over who holds the “legal remote control” for Metro pricing.
| The State Government (Congress) | The Opposition & Centre (BJP/JDS) |
| Siddaramaiah: Claims the FFC is an independent body formed by the Centre under the 2002 Act; its report is binding on the state. | Tejasvi Surya: Alleges the state officials pushed for the hike to cover financial deficits and stopped subsidies provided by previous governments. |
| Priyank Kharge: Accuses the Centre of “starving” BMRCL of funds, forcing the state to bear 87% of expansion costs. | HD Kumaraswamy: Accuses the state of “passing the buck” despite being a 50% stakeholder in the project. |
3. Namma Metro: Current vs. Proposed (On Hold)
The suspended fare structure intended to move toward an “automatic” annual increase to avoid sudden, steep jumps in ticket prices.
- Minimum Fare: Was to rise from ₹10 to ₹11.
- Maximum Fare: Was to rise from ₹90 to ₹95.
- Mechanism: An annual 5% hike (or inflation-linked) was recommended by the FFC to ensure long-term financial viability.
- Operational Status: BMRCL reported an operational profit of ₹229.4 crore in 2025, but the FFC maintains that external loan repayments necessitate higher fare revenue.
4. What Happens Next?
The “temporary relief” for commuters remains in a state of suspense:
- FFC Reconstitution: The Centre has indicated it may form a fresh Fare Fixation Committee if the Karnataka government makes a formal request.
- Board Meeting: BMRCL officials will present a detailed financial necessity report to the board members (comprising both State and Central representatives).
- Revenue Gap: Experts warn that if the hike is scrapped, the state might have to provide an additional ₹400 crore per year in shadow cash support to prevent a net loss by 2030.