Bengaluru, Feb. 13 -- Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said on Thursday that the state government had no role in the recent Bengaluru Metro fare hike and that the decision was made by an independent committee.

"We don't have any role... There is a committee for deciding fares. We have expressed our opinion, but the committee will take the final decision," Shivakumar told reporters.

His statement comes amid public debates on the fare increase and its impact on commuters.

Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is a joint venture between the Central and Karnataka governments, with each holding a 50 per cent stake.

According to a statement, officials from both central and state governments hold positions as managing...