Metro commuters in Bengaluru will now have to dig deeper into their pockets as the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has implemented a nearly 50% fare increase. This latest revision, based on recommendations from the Fare Fixation Committee, is one of the steepest hikes in recent years.
For the first time, BMRCL has also introduced differential pricing for peak and non-peak hours, aiming to manage congestion during busy times. Smart card users will get a 5% discount during peak hours, while those traveling during non-peak hours will receive a 10% discount. However, despite these incentives, the fare hike has sparked concerns among daily commuters.
Under the revised fare structure, the minimum charge remains Rs 10 for distances up to 2 km, but the maximum fare has risen significantly from Rs 60 to Rs 90 for trips exceeding 25 km. Passengers traveling 10-12 km will now pay Rs 60, while those covering 15-20 km will be charged Rs 70. For journeys between 20-25 km, the fare has been set at Rs 80, making it one of the highest Metro fares in the country. Additionally, the minimum balance required on smart cards has increased from Rs 50 to Rs 90, further adding to the financial strain on commuters.
When compared to other Metro networks in India, Bengaluru’s revised fares appear steep. Delhi Metro, India’s largest Metro system, offers a more economical fare structure despite covering a vast network. Its maximum fare is capped at Rs 60, considerably lower than Bengaluru’s new Rs 90 limit. Delhi Metro follows a distance-based pricing model, with fares starting at Rs 10 for up to 2 km and going up to Rs 50 for distances over 32 km. Unlike Bengaluru, it does not impose peak-hour pricing but provides additional discounts for Metro card users, making travel more affordable.
Ahmedabad Metro, with its relatively smaller network, also maintains a lower fare structure. The minimum fare is Rs 5 for up to 2 km, while the maximum fare for a full 40 km journey is just Rs 25—far more economical than Bengaluru’s revised rates. The Ahmedabad Metro prioritizes affordability for local commuters, keeping its pricing among the lowest in the country.
Pune Metro’s fare system is similar to Bengaluru’s previous model, with rates starting at Rs 10 and increasing up to Rs 40 for longer distances. While the Pune Metro is still expanding, its fares remain considerably more budget-friendly than Bengaluru’s new pricing.
Kolkata Metro remains the most cost-effective Metro network in India. With a minimum fare of Rs 5 and a maximum fare of Rs 25, it continues to be one of the most affordable urban transport options. Despite being the country’s oldest Metro system, Kolkata has successfully kept travel costs low, ensuring accessibility for a broad range of passengers.
With this fare revision, Bengaluru now ranks among the most expensive Metro networks in India. While officials defend the hike as necessary for infrastructure expansion and operational improvements, critics argue that the increased costs may discourage public transport use, pushing more commuters toward private vehicles and worsening the city’s traffic congestion.
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