Why is Bengaluru MP Tejasvi Surya Opposing the Metro Fare Hike?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tejasvi Surya opposes the fare hike by BMRCL.
- Bengaluru Metro is currently the most expensive in India.
- Surya warns of protests if the fare increase is implemented.
- The state government is urged to reconsider its decision.
- Surya demands accountability for delays in metro construction.
Bengaluru, Jan 17 (NationPress) Tejasvi Surya, the President of the Bharatiya Janata Party National Yuva Morcha and Member of Parliament for Bengaluru South, has expressed his strong opposition to the fare increase proposed by the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) and has issued a warning regarding potential protests.
During a press conference held at his residence in Bengaluru on Saturday, Surya declared that the decision by BMRC to raise fares by 5 percent in February is unacceptable.
"Currently, Bengaluru Metro is the most costly metro system in the nation. This has deterred the common populace from utilizing it. In comparison to metros in Delhi, Chennai, and Kochi, where the fare for a 10 km journey is significantly lower, Bengaluru's fare is twice as high," Surya stated.
He further remarked, "The state government and BMRC are taking advantage of the citizens. Moreover, the construction of the Orange Line metro has faced severe delays for the past four years, and BMRC must be held accountable for this failure."
Surya emphasized, "We had previously highlighted that the fare fixation committee's earlier decision was flawed, but BMRC did not take our concerns seriously. It is time for them to correct this error."
He urged, "The Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and the state government must stop engaging in politics and align with the citizens. The state government should promptly communicate with the central government to reconstitute the fare fixation committee. All MPs from Bengaluru support us on this matter."
Surya warned, "If BMRC proceeds with the fare increase in February, the BJP will organize significant protests outside every metro station. We must halt the exploitation of the people through fare hikes!"
He concluded, "The state government should cease blaming the central government for the fare increase. We will reject this anti-people, unscientific metro fare hike without exception, and we call on the government to safeguard the interests of the people of Bengaluru."