• Source:JND
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BMRCL Namma Metro News: In a significant move, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has postponed the planned fare hike that was set to begin on February 1. The proposed fare increase, which would have raised metro fares by 45 per cent, has been put on hold following directives from the central government. 

Bangalore Central MP and BJP leader PC Mohan called it a ‘big win’ for the Bengaluru commuters. Taking to X, formerly Twitter, the BJP leader stated that the Modi government had ordered BMRCL to give a detailed report before changing the prices. 

"The proposed 45% fare hike by BMRCL, set for February 1, has been put on hold. The central government has asked for a comprehensive report before making any decision," he wrote on X. 

Earlier, BMRCL approved a proposal to increase metro ticket prices by 40-45 per cent. The exact fare structure was expected to be revealed shortly, with the price hike mainly impacting long-distance commuters, while the base fare would likely stay the same. Currently, metro fares in Bengaluru range from Rs 10 to Rs 60, and the proposed changes could see the maximum fare rise to Rs 85.

The committee headed by Justice (Retired) R Tharani has recommended a revision of Namma Metro’s fare structure after reviewing the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited’s (BMRCL) financial situation and operational needs. 

The committee’s suggestions come nearly eight years after the last fare hike in June 2017. The recommended increase is expected to raise BMRCL’s daily fare revenue, which currently stands at a little over Rs 2 crore, by an additional Rs 80-90 lakh. 

The fare hike aims to help BMRCL meet its annual loan and interest obligations, which amount to around Rs 800 crore. The panel thoroughly examined metro fare structures both within India and internationally before presenting its recommendations to the state government.