BMRCL had sought 105% hike, needs to repay Rs 10.422 cr in loans over 6 years

Bengaluru: Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) had actually sought a hike of 105.15%, or 14.02% year-on-year, before discounts.

However, the fare fixation committee recommended a lower hike of 51.5%, or 6.87% year-on-year, before discounts. After factoring in discounts for off-peak hours, Sundays and national holidays, the hike is 45-46%, a senior BMRCL in the know said.

The BMRCL stressed that the fare revision was inevitable to meet debt payment obligations, cover depreciation requirements due to aging assets and manage rising operational expenditure.

Namma Metro last hiked its fares in June 2017.

Between March 2017 and March 2024, the BMRCL's staff cost rose significantly:

Staff costs rose by 42% (61% of total operations and maintenance costs).

Energy costs increased by 34% (19% of O&M costs).

Maintenance and administration expenses surged by 366% (20% of O&M costs).

Looking ahead, between 2024-25 to 2029-30, the BMRCL will need to repay loans of Rs 10,422.2 crore, while its depreciation costs are projected at Rs 7,316.21 crore.

The BMRCL asserted that comparisons between Bengaluru and Delhi metros are "not appropriate" because fares in the capital were revised eight years ago. As for Mumbai, the fare is Rs 10-80, it said.

Loan repayment schedule