Who Really Fixed Bengaluru Metro Fares? Siddaramaiah Cites Central Law, FFC | The Bengaluru Live

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Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday issued a detailed clarification on the recent Bengaluru Metro fare revision, stating that the State government has no legal authority to determine or reverse metro fares, which are fixed under Central legislation.

Describing the Bengaluru Metro as more than just a transport system, Siddaramaiah said it represents the daily lifeline of lakhs of employees, students and families. He acknowledged the anxiety and disappointment expressed by commuters following the fare revision and said listening to public grievances is the responsibility of any accountable government.

“At this moment, it is more important to present the truth to the people than engage in political mudslinging,” the Chief Minister said.

Metro Fares Fixed by Independent Committee

Siddaramaiah explained that under the Metro Railways (Operation & Maintenance) Act, 2002, metro fares are not decided by State governments. Instead, they are determined by an independent Fare Fixation Committee (FFC) constituted by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

He pointed out that:

The FFC is appointed by the Central government
It is chaired by a retired High Court judge
It functions strictly under Central rules
Its recommendations are legally binding on metro authorities

Under Sections 36 and 37 of the Act, the metro administration is mandated to implement the committee’s recommendations, leaving no legal scope for the State government or BMRCL to reject or override them.

Holding the Karnataka government responsible for the fare hike, he said, is not only misleading but a deliberate attempt to misinform the public.

State Will Take People’s Concerns to the Centre

While reiterating that the law governs fare revision, Siddaramaiah assured commuters that the State government’s commitment to public interest goes beyond legal boundaries.

He said the government would formally raise the following demands with the Central government:

Reconsideration of the revised metro fares
A more equitable fare structure benefiting daily commuters, students and economically weaker sections
Policies that balance social justice with financial sustainability

“Bengaluru’s growth should not come at the cost of its commuters,” he said, stressing that public transport must remain affordable and accessible.

Sharp Criticism of BJP Leaders

The Chief Minister accused BJP leaders of political double standards, questioning why Karnataka BJP MPs and Union Ministers failed to raise objections when fare slabs were approved at the Central level.

He asked:

Why was the issue not raised in Parliament?
Why did BJP ministers not oppose higher fare slabs at the Centre?
Why are Karnataka BJP leaders acting as spokespersons for the Delhi government instead of standing with Bengaluru’s commuters?

Siddaramaiah alleged that the metro fare hike is part of a broader pattern of injustice to Karnataka, citing inadequate tax devolution, denial of rightful grants, delays in infrastructure support, and policies that burden ordinary citizens.

State Stands Firm With the People

Concluding his statement, the Chief Minister urged citizens to ignore misinformation and stand united in protecting public interest.

“Our government stands firmly with the people of Karnataka. Be it economic, administrative or political injustice, we will respond decisively and constitutionally,” he said.