Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has clarified that it has no legal authority to decide or revise fares of the Bengaluru Metro and said the recent hike was determined under a Central framework. Responding to public criticism over the fare revision, the state government said attempts to blame it for the increase are “factually incorrect and misleading.”

In an official response issued on Friday, the government said it understands the concern and anguish expressed by commuters following the revised fare slabs and assured citizens that their voices are being heard. It emphasised that fare fixation for metro rail systems is governed by Central law and handled by an independent committee constituted by the Union Government.

Fare fixation under Central law

The state government pointed out that under the Metro Railways (Operation and Maintenance) Act, 2002, the power to determine metro fares does not lie with state governments. Instead, fares are decided by an independent Fare Fixation Committee (FFC).

According to the statement, the FFC is constituted solely by the Government of India through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The committee functions under provisions laid down by Parliament and is typically headed by a former High Court judge.

Citing Sections 36 and 37 of the Act, the government said the recommendations made by the FFC are binding on the metro administration and must be implemented. It added that neither the Karnataka government nor the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has the legal authority to override or ignore these recommendations.

State urges reconsideration of revised fares

While distancing itself from the decision-making authority, the Karnataka government said it has formally taken up the matter with the Union Government. It has urged the Centre to reconsider the fare levels recommended by the FFC and explore options to moderate or rationalise fares.

The state has specifically asked for relief measures for daily commuters, students and low-income groups who depend heavily on metro services for regular travel. It said public transport should remain affordable and inclusive, and that rapid urban growth should not come at the cost of commuter hardship.

The statement added that the government will continue to engage with the Centre in a constructive and constitutional manner to protect the interests of Bengaluru’s commuters.

Political blame game intensifies

The fare hike has triggered a political exchange between the ruling party in Karnataka and the BJP. In its response, the state government criticised BJP leaders for staging protests in Bengaluru while allegedly failing to raise the issue at the Union level where the Fare Fixation Committee is constituted.

It questioned why BJP MPs and Union ministers from Karnataka did not object to higher fare slabs during the Central process and accused the party’s state unit of deflecting responsibility.

The government alleged that blaming the state for a decision taken under a Union-controlled legal mechanism amounts to misleading the public.

Broader funding concerns raised

Linking the metro fare issue to a wider fiscal context, the state government claimed that Karnataka has faced multiple financial disadvantages in recent years. It alleged reduced tax devolution, denial of fair grants and delays in infrastructure support from the Centre.

According to the statement, the metro fare revision should be seen in the broader context of funding and policy decisions affecting the state’s urban infrastructure and public services.

It reiterated that Karnataka has historically taken the lead in urban mobility and public institutions and will continue to prioritise people-centric transport policies.

Commuter concerns remain high

The Bengaluru Metro is a key transport backbone for the city, carrying several lakh passengers daily across major corridors. Any fare revision has a direct impact on office-goers, students and daily wage earners who rely on the network to avoid road congestion.

Commuter groups have called for transparent fare-setting processes and safeguards for frequent travellers. Some have suggested discounted passes or capped fares for regular users to reduce the burden.

Transport analysts note that while fare revisions are often tied to financial sustainability, balancing revenue needs with affordability remains crucial for mass transit success.

Conclusion

With the Karnataka government asserting it lacks legal powers to alter metro fares and placing responsibility on the Centre-appointed Fare Fixation Committee, the focus now shifts to whether the Union Government will review the revised slabs. Meanwhile, commuter affordability and transparency in fare decisions are likely to remain central to the ongoing debate.