Fri Sep 12 08:52:05 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Bengaluru Metro Finally Releases Fare Hike Report After Months of Public Outcry**

**Bengaluru, India – September 12, 2025** – The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has finally made public the Fare Fixation Committee (FFC) report regarding its controversial fare hike, following months of public demand and mounting pressure. The report’s release comes nearly seven months after the BMRCL implemented a fare increase of up to 71% in February, sparking widespread outrage among commuters.

The FFC report reveals that the committee had recommended a more gradual fare increase of 51.55% spread over 7.5 years, translating to an annual increase of approximately 6.87%. The committee also suggested an automatic, formula-based revision each year, factoring in staff costs, energy charges, and maintenance expenses, with a cap of 5% per annum. This recommendation was significantly lower than the BMRCL’s initial proposal of a 105% fare jump, which the FFC deemed unreasonable.

In addition to the fare hike recommendations, the FFC proposed a simplified fare structure with 10 rounded slabs in multiples of ₹10, ranging from ₹10 to ₹90 for distances of 25 km and above. The report also suggested implementing Sunday and national holiday discounts, as well as yearly automatic adjustments.

The FFC’s report was based on a comparative study of metro fare structures in Delhi, Chennai, Singapore, and Hong Kong, which all rely on transparent, formula-driven fare revisions and generate non-fare revenue through advertising and real estate development. The report also considered feedback from over 1,100 commuters, with 27% expressing openness to a “reasonable” fare hike and 51% opposing any increase.

The release of the FFC report follows sustained pressure from commuters, elected officials, and even a legal intervention by Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya. The Hindu newspaper had previously filed an RTI request seeking a copy of the report, which went unanswered until now.

The BMRCL’s initial fare hike announcement in February triggered widespread criticism, leading Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to intervene and direct the corporation to revise the structure. The BMRCL subsequently rolled back the steepest increases, capping the maximum hike at 71%.

The Fare Fixation Committee, a statutory body with quasi-judicial powers, is responsible for recommending metro fares across India, taking into account operational costs, staff salaries, energy charges, and maintenance expenses.

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