Bengaluru: Commuters are set to face a significant metro fare hike for the first time in nearly eight years, with ticket prices likely to increase by 40 to 45 percent. This decision follows recommendations from a government-appointed Fare Fixation Committee, which recently submitted its findings to the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL).According to Deccan Herald, the committee examined multiple factors before proposing the hike. Public feedback was gathered in October 2024, and the final report was delivered last week. The BMRCL board is expected to approve the proposal on January 17.

Revised Fare StructureUnder the revised fare structure, the base fare will be upto Rs 15, while the maximum fare will rise to Rs 85, up from the current Rs 60. However, additional discounts will be available during off-peak hours and on Sundays. Regular discounts of 5 percent 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. Previous Fare RevisionsThe last fare revision in 2017 saw a modest increase of 10-15 percent when the metro network spanned 43.2 km. Since then, the operational network has nearly doubled to 76.95 km and is projected to expand to 175.55 km by December 2026 with the completion of Phases 2, 2A, and 2B. Reasons for the Fare IncreaseThe Deccan Herald report highlighted rising operational and maintenance costs, including electricity expenses and infrastructure development, as key factors behind the decision. Maintenance costs alone have surged by 300 percent due to the need for more frequent repairs and the use of expensive spare parts.