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Bengaluru Metro Fares to Rise Annually by Up to 5% from 2026

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited will implement an annual automatic fare revision starting February 2026, capping increases at 5% per year or the operation and maintenance cost rise, whichever is lower. This move follows recommendations from the Fare Fixation Committee to avoid the steep 51.55% average hike that resulted from a 7.5-year gap in revisions. Fares will increase marginally by Rs. 1 to Rs. 5 across the network's 10 simplified fare zones. BMRCL states this ensures financial sustainability while protecting commuters from sharp, infrequent hikes and will maintain all existing smart card discounts.

Key Points: Bengaluru Metro Announces Annual Fare Revision Formula

  • Annual fare revision from Feb 2026
  • Caps increase at 5% or O&M cost
  • Hikes range from Rs. 1 to Rs. 5
  • Smart card discounts to continue
2 min read

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited revises annual fare

BMRCL implements automatic annual fare hikes of up to 5% from 2026 to avoid steep, infrequent increases, with small hikes of Rs. 1-5.

"BMRCL remains committed to providing safe, reliable, punctual and affordable metro services - Press Release"

Bangaluru, February 5

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited announces Annual Fare Revision as per the First Fare Fixation Committee constituted under the Metro Railways Act, 2002.

The FFC, while recommending the revised fare structure for BMRCL, observed that the revision of fares after 7.5 years and the optimisation of fare zones from 29 to 10 have resulted in an average increase of 51.55%. With a view to avoiding such a situation of infrequent and steep fare increases in future, the committee has recommended in its report to revise the fare annually by having a transparent Annual Automatic Fare Revision Formula linked with O&M cost or 5% per annum, whichever is lower, by rounding off to the nearest rupee. This mechanism facilitates the introduction of a small annual fare adjustment.

"In keeping with the recommendations of the FFC, which is binding on BMRCL, it is hereby notified that an Annual Automatic Fare Revision will be implemented with effect from 9 February 2026, on expiry of 1 year from the date of implementation of the FFC's recommended fares by BMRCL (9th February 2025). The marginal increase ranges from Rs. 1 to Rs. 5 across 10 fare zones on its entire network of 96.10 Kms," the press release said.

Based on the Audited Financial Data for the financial year 2024-25 (31st March 2025) compared with base data of the financial year 2023-24 (31st March 2024), the formula-based index indicates a cost increase of 10.20%; however, the fare revision has been restricted to only 5%, in line with the FFC stipulation.

Importantly, BMRCL will continue all existing commuter-friendly discounts for smart-card/NCMC users, including 5% during peak hours, 10% during non-peak hours, and 10% on Sundays and three designated National Holidays.

The annual increase of 5% shall also apply to Tourist Cards/Group Tickets.

BMRCL emphasises that this small annual revision is intended to ensure financial sustainability and service reliability, while avoiding the need for large and sudden fare increases in the future. The approach allows fares to move gradually in line with inflation and operating costs, thereby protecting commuters from sharp, infrequent hikes.

As per the press release, it is mentioned, "BMRCL remains committed to providing safe, reliable, punctual and affordable metro services to the citizens of Bengaluru. BMRCL will continue to balance commuter affordability with the need to maintain high standards of maintenance, safety, and service quality across its expanding network."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Rs. 1 to Rs. 5 increase per year sounds manageable. Much better than waiting for a decade and then getting a huge bill. Transparency in the formula is key. Let's see if they stick to it. 🤞
A
Arjun K
Good move for long-term stability. The discounts for smart card users, especially on Sundays, are a relief. But BMRCL must ensure punctuality and cleanliness with this extra revenue. We pay for a service, not just a ride.
S
Sarah B
As a daily commuter, I appreciate the forward thinking. A small, predictable increase is easier to budget for than a sudden large one. Hoping the funds are used to improve frequency during peak hours.
V
Vikram M
While the logic is sound, a 5% annual hike compounds quickly. In 5 years, that's a significant rise. What about the common man's salary? Does it increase by 5% every year? There needs to be a stronger link to affordability.
K
Kavya N
The 10% discount on Sundays is a nice touch for weekend travel. Makes planning family outings a bit easier. Hope they keep expanding the network to more areas. The metro is the best way to beat Bangalore traffic!

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