Metro Fare Hike Not Under State’s Jurisdiction, Says D.K. Shivakumar; Asks BJP to Take Issue to Centre

Bengaluru, Feb 2026 : Responding sharply to criticism from the BJP over the recent hike in Bengaluru Metro fares, Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday clarified that the matter does not fall within the jurisdiction of the Karnataka government and that no proposal related to a fare increase has been placed before him or the state Cabinet.

Reacting to statements made by BJP leaders targeting the Congress-led government, Shivakumar said the opposition should first raise the issue with their own Union ministers instead of misleading the public. He questioned whether BJP leaders in the state had the capacity or willingness to approach the Centre on the matter.

Clarifying the process behind the fixation of Metro fares, Shivakumar stated unequivocally that the state government does not have the authority to decide fare revisions. “The committee responsible for deciding Metro fares is headed by a Union government secretary. Although there are four representatives from the state, the final decision-making power rests with the Centre,” he said.

He was responding to claims by BJP MPs Tejasvi Surya and P.C. Mohan, who had alleged that the state government could regulate fares by changing committee members. Shivakumar dismissed the assertion, asking how such a change was even possible under existing agreements. “If they believe the state can do this, let them first secure approval to appoint a Karnataka representative as the chairperson of the committee,” he remarked.

The Deputy Chief Minister further pointed out that the Centre’s financial contribution to Metro projects is limited. “The Union government contributes only about 12 to 13 per cent to Metro projects. An agreement had been signed earlier clearly stating that the fare fixation committee would be headed by a central official,” he said, underscoring that the framework was not designed by the current state government.

When asked whether the state government had given its consent for the fare hike, Shivakumar reiterated that the issue was never discussed with the state. “Since there was no consultation, the matter was neither brought before the Cabinet nor discussed with the Chief Minister,” he said.

On comparisons being drawn between Bengaluru Metro fares and those in other cities, Shivakumar said he would examine the data before commenting. “We will compare the fares with those in other metropolitan cities and look at the facts,” he said.

Addressing another issue of public concern, Shivakumar said there was currently no discussion on increasing water tariffs in the city. “At present, there is no proposal or discussion regarding a water tariff hike,” he clarified.

On the question of ward reservations for the upcoming Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) elections, Shivakumar stated that the process would be carried out by the designated committee and did not fall under his direct responsibility.

When asked about statements made by some MLAs, including Satish Jarkiholi, urging the Congress high command to resolve power-sharing issues at the earliest, Shivakumar declined to comment. “This is not the time for political discussions,” he said.

Responding to reports suggesting that some MLAs were being sent abroad or to Goa, Shivakumar said he was unaware of any such plans and had not been part of any discussions in this regard.

On his travel plans, Shivakumar said he would be visiting Mangaluru on Friday, followed by Raichur the next day and Gadag thereafter. He added that official details of his tours would be released by the secretariat. Asked whether he expected to be summoned to Delhi by the party high command, he said he would inform the media if and when such a visit took place.

Speaking about the Upper Krishna Project, Shivakumar said the Cabinet had already taken a decision on it and assured that all projects he had committed to implementing would be taken to their final stage within the next two-and-a-half years. “I do not make empty promises. Historic decisions have been taken for Karnataka and Bengaluru, and visible changes will be seen in the next two to three years,” he said.

On the possibility of a Cabinet reshuffle, Shivakumar said the matter should be addressed to the Chief Minister, declining further comment.

He also revealed that the state government plans to complete the first phase of the Bengaluru Business Corridor project within the next one-and-a-half years, calling it a key infrastructure initiative for the city’s future growth.

Commenting on the lack of central budgetary support for tunnel roads and Bengaluru-specific projects, Shivakumar said the Centre had not provided any assistance. “Tunnel road projects are based on a build-operate model. The government’s contribution is limited to 40 per cent, and developers will have to bear the risk,” he explained.

Shivakumar also disclosed that he met Denmark’s Deputy Head of Mission, Martin Petersen, and South Africa’s High Commissioner on Thursday. Both expressed interest in setting up industries in Karnataka, particularly in Bengaluru. He said they were keen on investing in sectors such as education, technology, innovation and tourism.

Assuring them of full support from the state government, Shivakumar noted that Bengaluru is the only city in India, apart from Delhi, where Denmark has an official office, highlighting the city’s growing global importance.