The Bangalore Metro rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has announced an annual automatic fare revision for the Namma Metro system, which will come into effect from February 9, 2026. This move introduces a structured, formula‑based fare revision mechanism aimed at avoiding large and irregular fare hikes in the future.

Why Fares Are Being Revised Annually

In the past, Bengaluru Metro fares were revised infrequently, with a large hike after 7.5 years, which resulted in an average increase of over 50 % when fare zones were also optimized.

To prevent such steep, infrequent fare adjustments:

The First Fare Fixation Committee (FFC) — constituted under the Metro Railways (Operation & Maintenance) Act, 2002 — recommended establishing a transparent annual automatic fare revision formula.

The formula links fare changes to operation and maintenance costs or caps them at 5 % per year, whichever is lower, with amounts rounded to the nearest rupee.

This is the first time such a mechanism is being implemented for Namma Metro.

What’s Changing: Increase in Ticket Prices

Under the new fare structure effective 9 February 2026:

Ticket prices across the network’s 10 fare zones will rise.

Overall increase is capped at about 5 %, with minimum hikes ranging from ₹1 to ₹5 depending on distance travelled.

Revised Fare Examples

Distance

Old Fare

New Fare

Up to 2 km

₹10

₹11

2–4 km

₹20

₹21

4–6 km

₹30

₹32

6–8 km

₹40

₹42

8–10 km

₹50

₹53

10–15 km

₹60

₹63

15–20 km

₹70

₹74

20–25 km

₹80

₹84

Above 25 km

₹90

₹95

The minimum ticket cost thus becomes ₹11, while the maximum fare increases to ₹95 for long journeys.

Discounts and Concessions Remain

BMRCL has confirmed that all existing commuter‑friendly discounts will continue after the fare revision:

Smart card and NCMC users will still receive:

5 % discount during peak hours

10 % discount during non‑peak hours

10 % discount on Sundays and designated national holidays

These concessions also apply to tourist and group tickets, with the annual 5 % revision extending to those fare categories as well.

Purpose Behind the Fare Revision Formula

According to BMRCL:

The formula‑based yearly adjustment is intended to data-align fares with inflation, operating costs, and maintenance expenses gradually.

It helps avoid large, sudden fare hikes that can burden commuters if implemented infrequently.

The FFC’s binding recommendations guide this automatic revision, which takes effect each year until a new FFC is constituted.

Commuter Reactions and Context

Media reports indicate that the 5 % annual fare increase comes just a year after an earlier significant fare revision, which drew criticism from various quarters for making Namma Metro one of the country’s more expensive metro systems.

Some local leaders and commuters have expressed dissatisfaction with the timing and impact of repeated fare increases, arguing that it places additional financial pressure on the city’s daily transport users.

 

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