Recently, several daily commuters of the Bengaluru Metro have expressed disappointment online. Many have taken to their social media accounts to criticise the authorities over the new rule requiring a minimum balance of ₹90 on smart cards. This comes just days after the recent fare hike announced by BMRCL. Here’s what the commuters are saying.
Bengaluru Metro Commuters Unhappy With Minimum Balance Rule
Even if my Bengaluru metro smart card has ₹89 as balance, I cant pay ₹10 for my travel at exit gate.
Minimum balance mandatory for @OfficialBMRCL smart cards
is ₹90.
Any solution other than topping up?
What are the min balance required for other metros? @ChristinMP_— Vasudev (@vasudevg) November 5, 2025
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) recently hiked Namma Metro fares, a move that had disappointed daily commuters. And now, the ₹90 minimum balance requirement has made things worse. If a commuter’s card balance is below ₹90, entry gates won’t open, forcing them to top up before travel.
Many Bengalureans have shared their frustration online. One X user wrote, “Even if my Bengaluru metro smart card has ₹89 as balance, I can’t pay ₹10 for my travel at the exit gate. Minimum balance mandatory for @OfficialBMRCL smart cards is ₹90.” The user also asked others for solutions to this issue on his social media account.
Also Read: Bengaluru Metro Phase 3: 28.4 Km Corridor Connecting JP Nagar To Hebbal To Be Completed By 2031
Netizens Share Their Opinions
Several netizens flooded the comments section with similar opinions. One wrote, “This minimum balance is a serious scam. After the fare hike they made it became ₹90. This is almost like a two-way commute. This has to be done away with.” Another added, “This is daylight robbery. What if I am a tourist- I don’t intend to come back?
Some users even pointed out how unfair the rule is for tourists or occasional commuters. They said it makes no sense to top up ₹90 on the card when someone only needs to use the metro once. Many suggested lowering the minimum balance to ₹50. One user even wrote, “The card should not have a minimum balance at all.”
It’s clear that Bengalureans are unhappy; first came the fare hike, and now this new minimum balance rule in their metro cards. And honestly, their disappointment is valid!
Also Read: Bengaluru Metro Pink Line: When Will The New Line Open? Key Stations, Routes; All You Need To Know
What do you think? Should Bengaluru Metro cards really have a ₹90 minimum balance? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Cover Image Courtesy: Yellow Line (Namma Metro), Wikipedia/Sameer2905 and Canva Pro/MerinoPhotos
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