India, Feb. 16 -- Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday blamed the Karnataka government amid growing public outrage over the sharp increase in Bengaluru Metro fares. The minister said that the fare fixation committee for Metro Rail is not under the jurisdiction of the central government, urging citizens to seek answers from the state administration.

"The state government is more familiar with the local realities and should take the lead in making crucial decisions regarding Metro projects. Therefore, questions about the fare hike should be directed to the state Chief Minister," Vaishnaw said during a press conference. He reiterated that the Price Fixation Committee is not based in Delhi and that fare proposals are formulated by t...