- By Abhishek Sheoran
- Tue, 07 Jan 2025 12:48 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
BWSSB Water Tariff Update: Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is mulling a hike in water tariffs as the board is facing a loss of Rs 40 crore per month. As per Ram Prasath Manohar V, Chairman of the BWSSB, the board is under financial strain, which compelled them to propose the hike.
Talking to Times Now, Manohar said the loss is likely to increase once stage 5 of Cauvery is commissioned, adding that the estimated annual loss was projected to exceed Rs 900 crore, making the hike a necessity.
He said a final decision will be made after a meeting with Bengaluru MLAs and deputy chief minister.
Earlier, the World Bank hinted at the necessity of increasing the tariff for providing a $426 million (Rs 3,500 crore) loan to the State government for management of floods, construction of stormwater drains, improving drinking water supply, and developing other infrastructure in the city.
The state government wanted to secure a loan for the Karnataka Water Security and Resilience programme.
Besides, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has also decided to hike ticket prices. This came after a government-appointed Fare Fixation Committee presented its report to BMRCL. With this move, the tickets are likely to increase by 40-45 per cent.
Under the revised fare structure, the base fare will be up to Rs 15, while the maximum fare will rise to Rs 85, up from the current Rs 60. However, a provision has been made to provide additional discounts to the commuters during off-peak hours and on Sundays.
Regular discounts of 5 per cent for smart card and QR code ticket users will continue. The new fares are expected to come into effect by the end of January, as mandated by the Metro Railways (Operation and Maintenance) Act, 2002, a report by Deccan Herald said.
