Bengaluru, Feb 7 (NationPress) - Tejasvi Surya, the MP representing Bengaluru South, revealed that after discussions with Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, the anticipated fare hike for the Bengaluru Metro has been temporarily halted.

Surya expressed that he had sought the Union Minister's urgent intervention regarding the planned fare increase, which was set to commence on February 9.

He remarked, "Bengaluru already bears the distinction of having the highest Metro fares in India. An increase would render public transport unaffordable for numerous citizens, contradicting its intended purpose."

"The Union Minister has instructed that the fare hike be suspended temporarily and will not take effect from Monday. He also committed to personally reviewing the Fare Fixation Committee (FFC) and suggested that a new committee could be constituted if the State requests it," Surya mentioned.

"I appreciate his quick and thoughtful response," he added.

"This reflects the Centre's dedication to commuter well-being by curtailing unreasonable fare hikes. The pivotal issue now is whether the State Government will prioritize the citizens' interests," he stated.

He urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to swiftly initiate the formation of a new FFC to ensure timely and fair fare adjustments.

Previously, Surya had indicated that just as the public was recovering from the last fare increase, both the state government and the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) were gearing up for another fare hike.

He has consistently voiced concerns over the ongoing fare increases and elevated Metro ticket prices over the past year.

He noted that the state government, under the leadership of the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, has repeatedly claimed the central government mandated the fare hike, a claim he contests.

Surya clarified that the fare fixation committee was formed by the central government only after receiving four formal requests from the state government.

He emphasized that the central government did not independently establish a committee or enforce a fare increase.

He reiterated that the fare fixation committee was constituted in response to the state government's repeated appeals and highlighted that BMRCL represents a joint venture between the central and state governments.

According to the memorandum of understanding, fare fixation falls under the state government's jurisdiction.

He pointed out that following an earlier 71% fare increase, the Bengaluru Metro has emerged as the most expensive Metro rail system in India over the last eight to ten months.