Should Bengaluru Metro Fares Be Reduced?
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Synopsis
Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya has made a passionate plea for the reduction of Metro fares. With the rising number of public transport users, he argues that current fares discourage public transport use. Is the government listening to the people's needs?
Key Takeaways
- Tejasvi Surya demands immediate fare reductions.
- Public transport users in Bengaluru exceed 55 lakh.
- Critique of high fares discouraging public transit.
- Delays in Metro projects have been significant.
- Government accused of prioritizing car owners over public transport.
Bengaluru, Oct 29 (NationPress) BJP Yuva Morcha National President and Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya has urged for an immediate reduction in the Metro fares in Bengaluru.
He stated, “Currently, 10 lakh individuals utilize the Metro every day, while 45 lakh prefer the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses — indicating that 55 lakh residents depend on public transportation.”
Addressing reporters at the BJP state headquarters, Jagannath Bhavan, Tejasvi Surya remarked, “The government should lower fares for the public’s advantage.”
He criticized the fare increase by saying, “For a family of four traveling one way from Konanakunte to Orion Mall, it costs Rs 280 via Metro, whereas driving a car only costs Rs 160. However, the car journey takes 75 minutes. Shouldn’t we promote public transport rather than impose greater costs?”
“For instance, a couple traveling from Lalbagh to Orion Mall via Metro incurs a cost of Rs 100 and a travel time of 25 minutes. Alternatively, on a bike, it only costs Rs 30. Shouldn’t Metro fares be set to encourage increased usage?” he questioned.
“Now, it seems the government believes — if you don’t own a car, you won’t attract a partner — and that’s why they are planning a tunnel road,” he added sarcastically.
“The Pink Line from Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara was initially set for completion in 2020, but the timeline has now been pushed to March 2026. On average, every Metro line in Bengaluru experiences a delay of five to six years,” he mentioned.
“The government argues that delays are caused by hard rock during tunnel construction. Is hard rock unique to the Metro? Will they find soft rock for road construction?” he joked.
“The Blue Line to the airport was supposed to be ready by 2024. Now, the claim is that it will be partially operational by 2026 and fully completed by 2027. Who knows when it will actually be finished?” he remarked.
“They have proposed a Tunnel Road along the same route as the Sarjapur-Hebbal Metro line. Although the Metro is expected to be finished by 2031, the Detailed Project Report for the tunnel project is still pending. The Sarjapur-Hebbal Metro could accommodate 69,000 passengers per hour, yet this government seems indifferent, focusing solely on serving 1,800 car owners,” he criticized.
“When people inquire about MPs' actions — let me remind you, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office, we secured DPR approval for the JP Nagar-Kempapura Orange Line within the first 100 days. Yet, after a year and a half, no tenders have been issued. They have stalled it to advocate for their double-decker tunnel scheme,” he alleged.
Present at the press conference were BJP State General Secretary P. Rajeev, State Vice President Malavika Avinash, Bengaluru North District President S. Harish, and Bengaluru Central District President Saptagiri Gowda.
Point of View
The call for reduced Metro fares in Bengaluru highlights a critical issue facing urban transportation. With a significant portion of the population relying on public transport, it is imperative for the government to consider fare structures that promote accessibility and encourage more citizens to use public transit.
NationPress
01/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Metro fares in Bengaluru so high?
The high Metro fares in Bengaluru are a result of various operational costs, but critics argue they deter public transport use.
How many people use the Metro daily?
Approximately 10 lakh people travel daily by Metro in Bengaluru.
What alternatives are available to the Metro?
Alternatives include the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses and private vehicles.
What has been the reaction to fare hikes?
The fare hikes have been criticized for discouraging the use of public transport, particularly among families.
When will the Pink Line be completed?
The completion of the Pink Line has been delayed to March 2026.
