BJP in Karnataka Calls for Immediate Reversal of Metro Fare Increase
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Synopsis
A BJP delegation met with Bengaluru Metro's MD to demand the immediate rollback of a steep metro fare hike. They criticized the government for burdening citizens and insisted the fares should be reconsidered to reflect public service values.
Key Takeaways
- BJP demands immediate rollback of metro fare hike.
- MLA Ravi Subramanya emphasizes metro as public service.
- Fare increase of 46% criticized as unjust.
- Protests threatened if demands are not met.
- Inadequate facilities at metro stations highlighted.
Bengaluru, Feb 10 (NationPress) In a pressing demand for the immediate reversal of the recent Metro fare increase, a BJP delegation convened with the Metro Managing Director, M. Maheshwar Rao, on Monday, denouncing what is being termed the largest metro fare hike in India.
After the meeting, Bengaluru MLA Ravi Subramanya emphasized to the media, "The Metro serves as a public utility, not a profit-driven entity. Its purpose is to alleviate the city's traffic issues, and we firmly oppose this abrupt fare increase."
He criticized the state government for already placing a financial strain on citizens through various price hikes, alongside an additional 46 percent surge in metro fares. He advocated for the provision of essential amenities at metro stations.
"The metro is designed for the community. Focusing on profits is not appropriate. This initiative was launched to tackle Bengaluru’s traffic woes, with financial backing from the central government. The fare hike is unjust," he remarked.
Subramanya insisted that the fare increase be revoked promptly and that adequate parking facilities be made available at metro stations.
He warned that if their demands are overlooked, protests will ensue.
Another member of the Bengaluru assembly, C.K. Ramamurthy, noted that the BJP delegation had approached the Metro MD to voice the concerns of local commuters.
"While metro fares in other states are comparatively lower, Bengaluru’s fares have seen a steep increase. This hike was based on a committee recommendation that was not discussed with local MLAs, which is simply unacceptable," he stated.
He also pointed out the deficiencies in basic facilities at metro stations, such as toilets and parking spaces, cautioning that if the fare isn't reduced, there will be calls for protests.
The BJP’s Bengaluru Metropolitan Unit has urged that the fare increase be annulled, suggesting that if an increase is necessary, it should be capped at 5 percent.
The delegation comprised MLAs Ravi Subramanya, C.K. Ramamurthy, BJP State Chief Spokesperson Ashwath Narayan, State General Secretary P. Rajeev, District President Harish, former mayors Gautham and Prakash, among other leaders.
Last Saturday, the Bengaluru Metro Railway Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) revealed a revision in Metro ticket prices, with rates starting at Rs 10 for a journey of 2 km and reaching Rs 90 for travel up to 30 km. These new rates took effect on Sunday.
BMRCL's official statement indicated the new ticket prices: Rs 10 for distances up to 2 km; Rs 20 for 2 to 4 km; Rs 30 for 4 to 6 km; Rs 40 for 6 to 8 km; Rs 50 for 8 to 10 km; Rs 60 for 10 to 15 km; Rs 70 for 15 to 20 km; Rs 80 for 20 to 25 km; and Rs 90 for 25 to 30 km. For distances beyond 30 km, the fare remains at Rs 90.
