Overview
- BMRCL said its Feb 5 notice implementing a 5% annual revision from Feb 9, set by a fare fixation committee last year, is on hold until further orders, with a decision to follow the board’s review.
- Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar instructed officials to rework fares using operating and maintenance expenses, CPI movements, staff costs and energy tariffs.
- The Union housing ministry asked BMRCL to withhold the hike until the board discussed it, and the meeting planned for Monday was postponed.
- State leaders contend the pause was a Karnataka decision and question central authority over fares, while BJP leaders credit Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar for the intervention.
- Protests continued in Bengaluru, and MP Tejasvi Surya was detained near Jayanagar metro station and later released while opposing the hike.