Bengaluru Metro fare hike: Karnataka HC issues notices to state government, BMRCL
The petition, filed by Bangalore South MP Tejasvi Surya, argues that commuters have a right to know the basis on which fares were raised earlier this year, an increase that briefly made Namma Metro the costliest in the country. The court has given the parties two weeks to submit their replies.
(Also Read: Bengaluru woman arrested for boiling newborn alive after it 'refused milk and cried nonstop': Report)
Surya's petition raises concerns over BMRCL's refusal to publish the report of the Fare Fixation Committee (FFC), which was submitted in December 2024. The committee, chaired by former judge R Tharani, had studied pricing models from metros across India and abroad, including Singapore and Hong Kong, before recommending fare revisions.
Though BMRCL acknowledged receiving the report and implemented fare hikes on February 9 this year, raising maximum fares from ₹60 to ₹90, the report has yet to be shared with the public. Following criticism, including from elected representatives and commuters, BMRCL made partial fare rollbacks on February 14, limiting the hike to 71%.
Surya's counsel told the court that despite multiple representations made between April and May, BMRCL has failed to disclose the report, claiming it is awaiting government approval, the report further added.
During the hearing, Justice Sunil Dutt Yadav expressed concern over the agency's inaction and asked the petitioner's lawyer why even a Member of Parliament was unable to obtain the report.
In a post on social media platform X, Surya criticised the BMRCL's opacity: 'The public deserves to know the contents of this report. Ideally, it shouldn't require the High Court's intervention.' He urged the metro authority to release the report without further delay.
Fellow Bengaluru MP P C Mohan echoed the demand, stating, 'Transparency shouldn't require a court order. Bengaluru commuters deserve to know how metro fares are fixed.'
The petition also cites practices from other Indian metro networks, including Mumbai and Hyderabad, where fare-related reports have been made publicly accessible. Surya contends that BMRCL, being a public body, is bound to uphold transparency and not burden citizens with arbitrary fare decisions.
The matter is scheduled for its next hearing in two weeks.
(Also Read: Karnataka woman duped of ₹3.16 crore in 'digital arrest' scam by fake police)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
25 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Odisha police releases 25 suspected foreign nationals
Odisha police on Wednesday (July 9, 2025) released 25 persons out of 444 migrant labourers suspected to be Bangladeshi or Rohingya (Myanmar) held in Jharsuguda after ascertaining their Indian nationality. Document verification was still underway late Wednesday evening, as those detained continued to procure their papers through various means, including WhatsApp and physical submission 'Persons with valid documents are already returning or are in process of returning to their place of stay. We urge the public to refrain from speculation and trust the authorities to carry out this process transparently and fairly,' said Himanshu Lal, Inspector General of Police (Northern Range). 'We understand the concerns raised regarding the holding of individuals in Jharsuguda. However, safeguarding national interest and security remains paramount and cannot be compromised. The individuals under scrutiny lack valid documentation to establish their residency or citizenship, necessitating a thorough verification process to ascertain their identity,' said Mr. Lal. He said, 'without verifiable documents, it is imperative to cross-check records to confirm whether individuals are Indian citizens or foreign nationals. This process is critical to protect our borders and ensure the safety of our nation.' 'These individuals are being held in designated facilities with access to adequate food, water, hygiene, and medical care, in line with humanitarian standards,' said IGP According to police, the verification is being conducted meticulously by senior officials via a JIT (Joint Investigation Team), with multiple layers of scrutiny to ensure no Indian citizen is wrongfully detained or harassed. Every effort is made to uphold the rights of Indian citizens while maintaining the integrity of the process. Tankadhar Tripathy, BJP MLA from Jharsuguda, 'the present government is taking decisive action to uphold national sovereignty and safeguard security—measures that were not undertaken by previous administrations. The documents of suspected foreign nationals, including Bangladeshis and Rohingyas, are being verified in accordance with guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the State government.' 'Those who are able to produce valid documents are being released. The allegations of illegally detaining anyone are baseless. Suspected foreign nationals are being treated with dignity. They have been accommodated on a college premises, not in any detention centre,' said Mr. Tripathy. In May this year, MHA sent a letter to all States saying, 'India, as a matter of policy, does not support any kind of illegal migration or overstay either into its own territory or illegal migration of its citizens to foreign territories. To facilitate orderly migration and timely exit, India has a robust visa and immigration regime in place to enable lawful inward movement of persons including professionals and skilled work force, business persons, students and foreign tourists. However, illegal migration has security and socio-economic ramifications which are often well beyond law enforcement.' The Centre said people overstaying without valid passport or other travel documents or any other document of legal authority should be identified. If suspected Bangladesh I Myanmar (Rohingiyas) national claims Indian citizenship and residence of a place in any other Indian State/UT, the concerned State Government would send the report to concerned home secretary of the State where these foreign
Mint
26 minutes ago
- Mint
Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance to meet today: From IBC to RBI, here is what's on the agenda…
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance is scheduled to meet at 11 am in Parliament House Annexe today to discuss issues with the Insolvency and Banking Code (IBC), and the Reserve Bank of India's role in the Indian economy, according to an ANI report. Chaired by BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, on the agenda for this Committee meet is: Record oral evidence of the representatives of State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Indian Bank and Indian Overseas Bank on the subject 'Review of working of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code and Emerging Issues'. Also, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor, Sanjay Malhotra to brief the committee on the subject 'RBI's Evolving Role in India's Dynamic Economy'. Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs is also set to meet at 11 am in Parliament House Annexe today and tommorow to discuss cyber crime and computing related issues, according to an ANI report. Chaired by BJP MP Dr Radha Mohan Das Agrawal, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs comprises participants from various ministries and government organisations. Topics of discussion on the agenda for this Committee meet, include: Cyber Crime – Ramifications, Protection and Prevention'. i. Reserve Bank of India (RBI); and Ministry of Education and Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC). The Committee will again meet at 11 am in Parliament House Annexe Extension Building on July 11. Topic of discussion on the agenda for tomorrow's Committee meet, include: 'Cyber Crime – Ramifications, Protection and Prevention'. (This is a developing story, more updates coming…)
Hans India
35 minutes ago
- Hans India
PM Modi wishes countrymen as nation celebrates Guru Purnima
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended heartfelt greetings on Thursday on the occasion of Guru Purnima, a festival dedicated to expressing reverence for spiritual and academic mentors. The day, deeply rooted in Indian tradition, honours the pivotal role played by gurus in guiding individuals from ignorance to enlightenment. Taking to X, PM Modi wrote, "Best wishes to everyone on the special occasion of Guru Purnima." Union Home Minister Amit Shah also greeted citizens on the auspicious day, highlighting the enduring significance of the guru-disciple bond in Indian culture. "On the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima, I pay my respects to all teachers. In Indian culture, the guru-disciple relationship is not only a medium of education and initiation but also a lifelong guide," he wrote on X. "Throughout our history, gurus have always worked to instil moral values, knowledge, conduct, culture, and a sense of loyalty towards the motherland in their disciples. On this occasion, I extend my best wishes to all teachers contributing to nation-building," Shah added. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also extended his greetings and reflected on the spiritual importance of the day. "By the grace of the Guru, the disciple progresses from ignorance to self-realisation, from darkness to light," he posted on X. "With heartfelt reverence, we honour the great Gurus who shape the disciple's personality with values, service, and truth, connecting them to the highest ideals of life on the sacred occasion of Guru Purnima!" he added. CM Yogi also paid tribute at the 'samadhis' of his revered gurus, Mahant Avaidyanath and Mahant Digvijaynath. Celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains, Guru Purnima is also known as Vyasa Purnima, marking the birth anniversary of sage Veda Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata and compiler of the Vedas. Across the country, the day is being observed with spiritual activities, including Guru puja, prayers, and teachings. Devotees are visiting temples to offer their prayers and express gratitude to their spiritual and academic mentors for their guidance and wisdom.
