Why Is Karnataka Govt Hiding Fare Panel Report On Bengaluru Metro, Asks Tejasvi Surya

Last Updated:July 07, 2025, 17:53 IST

Even today, the Bengaluru Metro is the most expensive metro system in the country. Public transport should be made affordable, says Bangalore South MP Tejasvi Surya

Surya Underlines Middle-Class Wealth Boom Under Modi. (Photo Credits: X)

As the Karnataka High Court (HC) continues hearing a petition seeking transparency in metro fare hikes and the delay in the launch of Bengaluru’s Yellow Line, Bangalore South MP Tejasvi Surya has hit out at the state government and the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) saying they are “in a war against public transport".

Speaking to News18 after the Karnataka HC heard his writ petition on transparency in the fare fixation report of the BMRCL, he stressed there was “deliberate opacity" and “callous indifference" to commuters.

Surya said, “The question is simple: why are the state government and BMRCL hiding the Fare Fixation Committee (FFC) report? This is not the first time a fare hike has been mandated by an FFC. The Delhi Metro, for instance, has made at least four of its FFC reports public. You can go to their website and see for yourself. So what exactly are they trying to hide here?"

Surya pointed out that the committee went on a multi-country tour, only to return and recommend a 130% hike in fares. “As consumers of a public transport system — built and funded by public money — don’t we have the right to know how fares are being fixed? Are we not living in a democracy? Does this report compromise national security? Will it help enemy nations if it is made public? If not, why the secrecy?"

Criticising the partial rollback in fares after public protests, calling it “mathematical gymnastics" that offered no real relief to long-distance commuters. “Even today, the Bengaluru Metro is the most expensive metro system in the country. Public transport should be made affordable, but instead we’re being forced to fight for basic transparency. Citizens and even elected representatives are being pushed to approach the High Court for information that should be in the public domain. That tells you everything about the quality of governance."

The Karnataka HC also questioned, “The state of affairs which is driving an elected MP coming to appeal for this?"

“This is a fight for transparency, for public transport, for commuter rights," said Surya. “We live in a city that is choking with congestion. People are mentally harassed by traffic. What we need is denser, more reliable and affordable public transport. But instead, the government seems to be waging a war against public transport."

Surya also hit out at the inordinate delay in the commissioning of the Yellow Line, which has now dragged on for over four years. “Deadlines come and go — now they’re saying August 15. The civil work was completed over a year ago. This line has the potential to cater to 8 to 9 lakh people and take lakhs of private vehicles off the road. But BMRCL is in no hurry to launch it."

Blaming the agency for botching up the project, Surya said he had to step in personally in 2023 to get things back on track. “I’ve visited the Titagarh rail factory four times, coordinated with Mitsubishi and other stakeholders — all of which is the BMRCL’s job. Instead, like a court adjourning cases endlessly, the BMRCL keeps giving new deadlines every month. No deadline seems to have any sanctity. It’s crazy."

“I have urged the BMRCL that the August 15 deadline should be met at any cost. The line has been ready for over a year," he said.

Asked what he plans to do next, the MP said, “We’ve raised this issue in every forum. I’ve spoken with the Union Urban Affairs Minister, with the Metro Chairman. I will keep pushing until this line is operational. Bengaluru deserves better."

Rohini Swamy

Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18’s digital platform. She has previously worked with t...Read More

Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18’s digital platform. She has previously worked with t...

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