Starting Monday, 9 February 2026, commuters in Bengaluru will reportedly face a fresh 5% hike in Namma Metro fares across all lines.
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) confirmed on Thursday that the revision follows the binding recommendations of the Fare Fixation Committee (FFC), which mandated an annual automatic adjustment to offset a 10.20 per cent rise in operational costs.
This move increases the minimum fare from ₹10 to ₹11 and the maximum from ₹90 to ₹95, solidifying Bengaluru’s status as the most expensive metro system in India.
While the BMRCL cites the need for financial stability to cover loan liabilities and maintenance, the announcement has sparked political criticism and public frustration, especially since it arrives exactly one year after a massive fare overhaul in 2025.
Bengaluru Metro Hike
The latest price revision is rooted in a new “Annual Automatic Fare Revision” mechanism introduced to prevent the sudden, drastic shocks seen in previous years.
In February 2025, a fare restructuring led to a steep average increase of over 51 per cent, with some slabs initially jumping by 100 per cent before being capped at 71 per cent following intense protests.
To manage its massive outstanding loan liabilities of over ₹13,000 crore and decreasing state support, the BMRCL board opted for this gradual 5% cap.
Officials maintain that these regular increments are essential to improve the operating ratio and fund future expansions, such as the recently operationalized Yellow Line and upcoming phases.
Political Backlash
The decision has quickly become a political flashpoint, with BJP MP P.C. Mohan accusing the Karnataka government of administrative failure and shifting the financial burden onto common citizens by cutting budgetary support.
Commuters and passenger associations have also voiced significant anger, pointing out that rising costs may drive passengers back to private vehicles, worsening the city’s globally-ranked traffic congestion.
Despite the hike, BMRCL confirmed that smart card users will still receive existing discounts, including 5 per cent during peak hours and 10 per cent during non-peak times and national holidays.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that public transport should be an affordable right that facilitates social mobility, not a burden that escalates annually.
While the BMRCL’s need to bridge its ₹623 crore net loss is a practical reality, the repeated targeting of commuters’ pockets raises questions about the government’s commitment to decongesting Bengaluru.
It is a matter of profound empathy to consider how an extra ₹5 per trip adds up for a student or a daily-wage worker over a month.
We advocate for a more imaginative approach to revenue, focusing on transit-oriented development and non-fare earnings rather than a binding formula that ignores the economic realities of the common citizen.
