Bengaluru, February 8: Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar addressed the ongoing controversy regarding the fare hike for the Bengaluru Metro on Saturday. He stated that the committee responsible for setting metro fares is led by a central government secretary, and no one has sought his opinion on the fare increase.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, he remarked, “How can the state government be held accountable for the metro fare hike? The fare-setting committee is chaired by a secretary appointed by the central government. If I have signed any file related to this, then you can hold me responsible for the increase. However, no file regarding the fare hike has come to me. I will discuss this matter with officials from the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) on Monday. We do not wish to burden the common people. I will review the financial situation.”
His comments were in response to criticism from the BJP, which claimed that the state government is responsible for the fare increase.
When questioned about the BJP’s assertion that the fare hike is due to the state government’s failure to provide financial support to BMRCL, Shivakumar challenged, “Let the BJP first explain what they have done for the state?”
In response to BJP MP Tejasvi Surya’s statement that the metro fare cannot be increased without state government approval, Shivakumar said, “Poor fellow, he lacks experience. He is limited to making statements in front of the media. He should not speak nonsense. Has he received anything from the center for the state? Don’t talk about empty boxes.”
However, Tejasvi Surya, the MP for Bengaluru South, announced that after discussions with Union Minister Manohar Lal, the proposed fare hike for the Bengaluru Metro has been temporarily halted.
Surya stated that he had requested immediate intervention from the central minister regarding the planned fare increase set to take effect on February 9. He added, “Bengaluru already has the highest metro fares in INDIA. Another increase would make public transport difficult for many citizens, defeating its purpose.”
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S.C.H.
My name is Narendra Jijhontiya. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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