Bengaluru Metro Emerges as India’s Priciest Transport Option Following Fare Increase
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Synopsis
Bengaluru Metro's fare hike of nearly 50% has made it India’s most expensive transport system, raising concerns among commuters. The new pricing structure introduces peak and non-peak hour pricing while significantly increasing maximum fares.
Key Takeaways
- Bengaluru Metro fares have increased by 50%.
- New pricing includes peak and non-peak hour rates.
- Maximum fare has risen to Rs 90 for long distances.
- Comparatively, Delhi Metro fares are lower.
- Commuters fear the fare hike will push them toward private transport.
Ahmedabad, Feb 11 (NationPress) Metro travelers in the city will now have to pay more as the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has enacted a fare increase of nearly 50 percent. This adjustment, guided by recommendations from the Fare Fixation Committee, represents one of the most substantial hikes in recent years.
For the first time, BMRCL has also rolled out peak and non-peak hour pricing to help manage congestion during busy times. While smart card users will gain a 5 percent discount during peak hours, they can enjoy a total 10 percent discount during non-peak hours. Nonetheless, these discounts have not alleviated the concerns raised by daily commuters.
The new fare framework keeps the minimum fare at Rs 10 for distances of 0-2 km, but the maximum fare has surged from Rs 60 to Rs 90 for trips exceeding 25 km. Commuters covering 10-12 km will now be charged Rs 60, while those traveling 15-20 km will pay Rs 70. The fare for journeys between 20-25 km is Rs 80, rendering it one of the highest Metro fares in the nation. Moreover, the minimum balance required on smart cards has been elevated from Rs 50 to Rs 90, further adding to the financial load on passengers.
In contrast, the Delhi Metro, recognized as India’s largest Metro system, boasts a more economical pricing model despite covering a significantly larger area. The highest fare in Delhi is Rs 60, which is considerably lower than Bengaluru’s revised maximum fare of Rs 90. Delhi Metro fares are structured based on distance slabs, with the lowest fare at Rs 10 for up to 2 km and Rs 50 for distances beyond 32 km. Unlike Bengaluru, the Delhi Metro does not enforce peak-hour pricing but provides discounts to passengers using Metro cards, further lowering the effective travel costs.
The Ahmedabad Metro, with a comparatively smaller network, also maintains lower fares than Bengaluru’s. Its minimum fare is Rs 5 for the first 2 km, while the maximum fare for a complete 40 km stretch is just Rs 25. Even for longer distances, fares remain significantly lower than those of Bengaluru. The Ahmedabad Metro mainly serves local commuters and focuses on providing affordable public transit options, keeping its fares among the most competitive in the country.
Fares in the Pune Metro are structured similarly to the previous system in Bengaluru, starting at Rs 10 and reaching up to Rs 40 for more extended distances. The Pune Metro network is still in the expansion phase, but its fare system remains relatively budget-friendly compared to Bengaluru’s new pricing.
Meanwhile, the Kolkata Metro holds the title for the lowest fares across all Metro networks in India. With a starting fare of Rs 5 and a maximum fare of Rs 25, Kolkata Metro is one of the most economical urban transport options. Despite operating one of the oldest Metro networks in the country, Kolkata has successfully maintained low travel costs, ensuring accessibility for a broad spectrum of commuters.
With this fare adjustment, Bengaluru has now become one of the most costly Metro systems in India. While officials defend the increase as essential for growth and operational efficiency, commuters worry that this hike may deter public transport usage, driving more individuals toward private vehicles and exacerbating traffic congestion.
