Bengaluru, Feb 13 (Reporter) BJP MP Tejasvi Surya on Thursday urged the Congress-led Karnataka government to write to the concerned authorities again, seeking the constitution of a new fare fixation committee to reconsider the recent hike in Bengaluru Metro fares. Speaking to reporters at Aero India 2025, Surya criticised the fare increase, calling it "unscientific and irrational" and alleging that it adversely affects middle-class commuters. "The state government initiated this process by writing to the authorities, requesting the constitution of a fare fixation committee. Therefore, the government must take responsibility and write to the concerned authorities again, asking for a new fare fixation committee to rationalise the recommendations of the earlier one," he said. He pointed out that Metro ridership had dropped by nearly 50,000 to 60,000 in the past two to three days, indicating strong public discontent with the fare revision. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) implemented the revised fare structure earlier this month, citing increasing operational costs and financial sustainability as key reasons. The hike, the first in several years, has resulted in fares increasing by ₹2 to ₹5 across various slabs. The decision was based on the recommendations of a fare fixation committee constituted in consultation with the state government. However, the move has sparked widespread criticism from daily commuters, opposition leaders, and public transport activists, who argue that the fare hike is unjustified, especially at a time when citizens are grappling with rising living costs. Reports indicate that Bengaluru Metro, which sees an average daily ridership of over 7 lakh, has witnessed a sharp decline in commuters following the fare revision. Many commuters have voiced their displeasure, stating that the increase will push them towards alternative modes of transport, adding to the city’s already congested roads. Responding to the criticism, Congress leaders defended the fare hike, arguing that it was necessary to ensure the financial sustainability of the Metro network. Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy stated that the increase was based on the recommendations of an expert panel and was in line with fare revisions in other metro cities. "BMRCL is already running at a loss, and operational costs are rising. This fare hike was recommended by a committee and not imposed arbitrarily. Despite the increase, Bengaluru Metro fares remain among the lowest in the country," Reddy said. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar dismissed the BJP’s criticism as "political posturing," stating that the previous BJP government had done little to improve Bengaluru's public transport infrastructure. "Tejasvi Surya and BJP leaders are making baseless claims. The Metro fare hike is minimal, and the government is committed to improving public transport. The BJP should explain why they failed to expand Metro connectivity when they were in power," he said. However, with mounting public outcry and declining ridership, pressure is building on the Congress-led Karnataka government to reconsider the fare revision...////...