New Delhi, Oct. 6 -- Heavy traffic jams and potholes have long drawn public ire in Bengaluru. Namma Metro, or the Bengaluru metro, has been a rare relief, offering commuters a smooth and efficient ride.

But earlier this year, the system itself became a flashpoint when Bangalore Metro Rail Corp. Ltd (BMRCL) raised fares by 71%, sparking debates over affordability. BMRCL said the hike was based on a Fare Fixation Committee (FFC) report, which remained under wraps for months despite political pressure and Right To Information (RTI) requests.

Finally, the report was released last month. And it showed the committee had recommended a smaller 51.55% hike, spread over 7.5 years. This has put the Bengaluru metro in the spotlight for the wrong re...