State govt not involved in Metro fare hike, BMRCL to take fifinal call: Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar clarified on Thursday that he has no role in the proposed fare hike for Namma Metro. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) had planned to increase ticket prices by 45% from February 1. However, following a reported directive from the central government and amid public outrage, the hike has been deferred. “A central committee headed by a judge has been formed to handle this matter, and the BMRCL will make the final decision. The government will not interfere,” Shivakumar said at a press conference at the BMRCL headquarters in Shanthinagar.

Earlier, the Bengaluru Development Minister inspected key traffic congestion points in Hebbal, Lottegollahalli, Nayandahalli, and Sumanahalli, accompanied by heads of civic bodies. “The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), and the BMRCL will collaborate to build double-decker flyovers, underpasses, and tunnels wherever traffic congestion is severe,” he said. Shivakumar emphasized the need for metro stations to expand parking spaces. “Many passengers park their vehicles on roads or in front of private properties,” he noted, adding that upcoming metro projects should include provisions for double-decker flyovers.

He also hinted that advertisements on metro pillars would soon become a reality under the Brand Bengaluru project. “Both BBMP and BMRCL will work together and share the revenue equally,” he added. During his inspection of the ongoing Hebbal flyover extension, he directed the BDA to complete the project by April this year.