NEW DELHI: Congress workers protested at Bengaluru metro stations on Wednesday against recent fare hikes, wearing Prime Minister Narendra Modi masks and holding placards.
The protests at Rajajinagar and Malleswaram Mantri Mall metro stations prompted the Karnataka shief minister's office to issue a clarification about the fare increase, addressing the BJP's claims and explaining the revision process.
The Karnataka CMO criticized the BJP's response to the fare hike in a detailed statement. "Opposition party, BJP, is, as usual, spreading false and misleading information, accusing the state government and misleading the public. While citizens have every right to oppose government policies, a right that I respect, the BJP's deliberate misinformation and encouragement of protests for political gain are unacceptable," the statement read.
The CMO further addressed the BJP's contradictory stance. "On one hand, BJP leaders claim credit for the achievements of Metro Rail under the Central government, but on the other, they blame the state government for the fare revision, which is an act of self-deception," the statement added.
The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited operates as a joint venture between the central and Karnataka governments with equal partnership, with officials from both governments serving as managing directors and directors.
The CMO explained that BMRCL, being an autonomous entity, operates under the Metro Railways Act of 2002 and required central government approval for fare revision.
"Since there had been no fare revision since 2017, BMRCL approached the central government to request a revision. If the state government had the authority to determine fares, why would BMRCL seek approval from the central government instead of us?" the statement noted.
A fare revision committee, headed by retired Madras High Court judge R. Tharani, was formed by the central government on September 16, 2024. The committee spent three months studying fare structures, collecting passenger feedback, and consulting with metro officials in Delhi and Chennai.
The metro network has expanded significantly since the last fare revision in June 2017, growing from 42.3 km to a planned 175.55 km by December 2026, including phases 2, 2A, and 2B.
The committee's comprehensive report, submitted on December 16, 2024, spans ten chapters and compares Bengaluru Metro's fares with other metro systems nationwide. Currently, Bengaluru Metro charges between Rs 10 and Rs 60, while Mumbai Metro's fares range from Rs 10 to Rs 80.
The fare revision process now falls under central government jurisdiction for all metro systems except Delhi Metro, though states initially set their metro fares independently.
Under Section 37 of the Metro Railways Act, BMRCL is legally required to implement the committee's fare revision recommendations.
The TOI City Desk is an indefatigable team of journalists dedicat...
Read MoreThe TOI City Desk is an indefatigable team of journalists dedicated to bringing you the pulse of cities from across the nation, all day and all night. Our mission is to curate, report, and deliver city news that matters to readers of The Times of India. With a keen focus on urban life, governance, culture, and local issues, we provide a comprehensive view of the ever-evolving cityscapes. Our team works tirelessly to keep readers informed about the latest developments, ensuring that they are connected to the heartbeat of cities across India, right when it happens. The TOI City Desk is a trusted source for staying in touch with the local stories that shape your world.
Read Less
Start a Conversation
Post comment