Commuters in Bengaluru will soon have to pay more for metro travel as the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has announced a significant fare hike. Effective from February 9, 2025, the maximum fare will increase from ₹60 to ₹90, marking a nearly 50 percent rise. This decision is expected to impact daily travelers, especially those covering longer distances.
According to the official statement released by BMRCL on February 8, a 5 percent discount will continue to be available but only for smart card users, excluding those who use QR code-based ticketing. Additionally, the minimum balance required on smart cards has been increased from ₹50 to ₹90, making it essential for regular commuters to maintain a higher balance for seamless travel.
While the minimum fare for short distances of up to 2 km remains unchanged at ₹10, fares for other distance slabs have been revised. The fare for the 2-4 km range has been raised from ₹15 to ₹20, and those traveling beyond 30 km will now have to pay ₹90. The decision comes as part of BMRCL’s efforts to manage operational costs and maintain service quality, though it has raised concerns among daily commuters who rely on the metro for affordable transportation.
With Bengaluru already facing severe traffic congestion, many worry that the fare hike might push more people to opt for personal vehicles, further exacerbating the city’s traffic woes. However, metro authorities maintain that the revision is necessary for sustaining the metro network and expanding its services. As the city continues to grow, balancing affordability and operational viability remains a key challenge for public transport systems.
