Railway Minister Vaishnaw shifts blame to Karnataka govt over Bengaluru Metro rail fare hike
Bengaluru, Feb 15 (PTI): Amid public outcry over the steep hike in Metro rail fare in Bengaluru, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday shifted the blame to the state government, saying the fare fixation committee for the Metro Rail is not based in Delhi.
He said the Chief Minister should be asked about the hike in Metro rail fare and not the central government.
“The state government knows the ground reality of the city and they should be in the prime decision making process for every metro project. So please ask this question to the state Chief Minister,” Vaishnaw said, addressing a press conference here.
“Regarding Fare hiking, the question should be asked to the state government. The Price Fixation Committee is not from Delhi. The price fixation proposal has to be prepared by the State government.”
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According to Vaishnaw, the state government is responsible for everything related to Metro Rail and they should be asked about the hike in fare.
A week ago, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) announced a fare hike, doubling Metro prices in the city, citing increased operational costs and the need to repay loans.
It also increased the fare by five per cent during the ‘peak hour’ taking a cue from the ride hailing taxi services.
After people vented their anger and gave a representation to the state government, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah directed the BMRCL Managing Director M Maheshwar Rao to address the anomalies where the prices have doubled in certain sections.
The hike had been in the pipeline, and according to Bengaluru Central MP P C Mohan, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre had instructed the BMRCL to put the proposed hike on hold last month.
In a post on ‘X’ on January 29, Mohan said, “BMRCL’s proposed 45% metro fare hike, set for Feb 1, has been put on hold. The Modi government has directed BMRCL to submit a comprehensive report before making any decision. A big win for the people of Bengaluru—ensuring transparency, accountability, and fair metro pricing.”
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55-bed free palliative care centre to open near Bengaluru’s Nelamangala
Bengaluru: A new 55-bed palliative care centre for terminally ill patients, named the Nemmadi Centre for Palliative Care, will be inaugurated near Nelamangala on Sunday. The facility will offer all services completely free of cost.
According to a report published by Deccan Herald on Saturday, the centre has been set up by the Sukruthi Charitable Trust in collaboration with Rotary Bangalore Midtown. Around Rs 20 crore has been invested in the project, which will operate without a billing counter, ensuring that families do not have to pay for treatment.
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The centre will provide comprehensive palliative care, including medical support, counselling for patients and their families, and bereavement care. The facility aims to help families cope with the physical and emotional challenges of caring for terminally ill patients.
“A cornerstone of the project was the generous donation of land by former MLC E Krishnappa, which made the centre possible,” DH quoted Palani Loganathan as saying.
The inauguration ceremony will be attended by Madhusudan Sai, founder of the Sri Madhusudan Sai Global Humanitarian Mission, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao and Rajya Sabha MP Dr C.N. Manjunath who also serves as the chief medical advisor to the centre will also be present, along with several senior government officials and healthcare leaders.
