Bengaluru's Metro Fare Dispute Intensifies Amid Accusations and Boycott Calls

Bengaluru’s metro fare dispute has intensified, with political leaders trading accusations even as public anger grows over the latest 5% fare increase. The row has also triggered an online boycott campaign, with several commuters urging others to switch to alternative modes of transport. The controversy centres on the fare revision by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), which has drawn sharp criticism from daily passengers. Many have taken to social media to label Namma Metro as the most expensive metro service in India, highlighting that fares can go up to Rs 95 for longer distances. Commuters have compared this with lower maximum fares in cities such as Delhi, Chennai and Mumbai. The issue has also sparked a political clash between state and central leaders. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has blamed the Centre for the fare hike, while Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has alleged that the Karnataka government is attempting to shift responsibility. According to Kumaraswamy, the Centre holds only a 20% stake in the metro project, while the state holds a larger share, making it equally accountable for fare decisions. The dispute gained further attention after MP Tejaswi Surya submitted documents to the Chief Minister. These reportedly included correspondence from the state’s Urban Development and Finance Departments to BMRCL stating that the fare revision was necessary to ease the state’s financial burden. Critics argue that this suggests the state government played a significant role in pushing for the hike. Kumaraswamy has also criticised the state government for promoting financial welfare schemes while, he claims, overlooking the economic challenges faced by ordinary commuters. He questioned why fare increases are not seen in other metro systems and accused the government of assuming that citizens can afford higher ticket prices. Meanwhile, public dissatisfaction continues to grow. Many commuters have launched a boycott campaign online, encouraging riders to avoid metro travel and opt for bikes and other transport options. The campaign has quickly gained traction, reflecting frustration among passengers who believe the metro is becoming unaffordable. This is not the first time BMRCL has faced backlash over pricing. On February 9 last year, metro fares were increased by more than 100%, which led to strong protests. Although fares were partially reduced following public pressure, commuters claim the latest 5% increase shows that concerns have not been fully addressed. The rising costs have led to criticism that Namma Metro, often considered Bengaluru’s transport lifeline, is drifting away from its role as an accessible public service. Comparisons with other metro networks continue to fuel the debate, as commuters question why Bengaluru’s fares remain higher despite similar travel distances. As the boycott movement gains momentum, pressure is mounting on BMRCL to reassess its pricing strategy and address commuter concerns, while the political blame game continues to dominate the public conversation.