Mon Feb 17 11:50:27 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Minister Accuses Centre of Misleading Public Over Namma Metro Fare Hike

**Bengaluru, February 17, 2025** – A political showdown has erupted in Karnataka over the recent Namma Metro fare hikes. Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy today accused Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw of misleading the public regarding the Centre’s role in the fare revision.

Mr. Reddy countered Mr. Vaishnaw’s Saturday statement that the central government had no involvement, asserting that the fare revision process is mandated by the Metro Railways (Operation and Maintenance) Act, 2002. He explained that the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) oversees the process, forming a Fare Fixation Committee (FFC) to review fare proposals submitted by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL). This committee, comprising a retired High Court judge and representatives from the central and state governments, makes recommendations to the MoHUA Secretary, who makes the final decision. The state government, Mr. Reddy clarified, has no role in determining fares.

Mr. Vaishnaw’s claim that the state government was responsible directly contradicts this established procedure, according to Mr. Reddy, who stated that this process is standard for all Metro rail systems across India. He accused the BJP of knowingly misrepresenting the facts.

The initial fare hike, announced on February 9th, sparked widespread outrage due to increases of nearly 100% in some cases. Following Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s intervention and communication with the MoHUA, the BMRCL revised the increases, capping the maximum stage-wise fare increase at 71%, although the base and maximum fares remain unchanged. The controversy continues to fuel political tension in Karnataka, with the Congress and BJP trading blame.

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