Siddaramaiah Urges BMRCL to Address High Metro Fares
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Synopsis
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has requested the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited to reconsider the recent fare hike that has drawn public criticism and decreased ridership. He emphasized that the fare increases are excessive and must be addressed to protect commuter interests.
Key Takeaways
- Siddaramaiah appeals for a fare reduction.
- Recent fare hikes led to 80,000 fewer riders.
- BMRCL's fare increases have been deemed excessive.
- BJP demands rollback of the fare increase.
- Public criticism mounting against the state government.
Bengaluru, Feb 13 (NationPress) Facing backlash over the fare increase in Namma Bengaluru Metro, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made an appeal to the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) on Thursday, urging them to reconsider the fare hike.
The Congress-led government in Karnataka is encountering criticism from various quarters, particularly from the public, regarding the significant rise in ticket prices.
After the fare increase, ridership on the Namma Metro decreased by approximately 80,000 passengers in the city.
CM Siddaramaiah remarked, "The manner in which the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has carried out the fare revision for the Bengaluru Metro has resulted in irregularities, with fares more than doubling in certain segments."
He further noted, "I have instructed the MD of BMRCL to swiftly tackle these concerns and lower fares where increases are excessive. The interests of commuters must be protected."
Last Saturday, BMRCL announced a revision of Metro ticket prices.
The official statement from BMRCL indicated that the new ticket prices are set at 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 distances over 25 km, which will remain at Rs 90 for over 30 km.
A BJP delegation demanded an immediate rollback of the Metro fare increase during a meeting with Metro MD M. Maheshwar Rao on Monday, labeling it the steepest fare hike in the country.
Bengaluru MLA Ravi Subramanya criticized the state government for imposing multiple price hikes on the public and increasing Metro fares by 46 percent. He also emphasized that essential services should be available at Metro stations.
"The Metro is intended for public use. Focusing on profits is not the appropriate strategy. This project was initiated to alleviate traffic congestion in Bengaluru, and financial support has been provided by the central government. The fare increase is unjust," he remarked.
Previously, Siddaramaiah criticized the opposition BJP, accusing them of misleading the public by disseminating distorted information.
"Metro fares haven't been amended since 2017. Recognizing this, BMRCL communicated with the central government requesting fare revisions. If the state government had complete control over Metro fares, why would BMRCL reach out to the Central government instead of addressing the state government directly?" CM Siddaramaiah stated.
