From Nandini Milk to Namma Metro: The Rising Cost of Living in Bengaluru

From Nandini Milk to Namma Metro: The Rising Cost of Living in Bengaluru

Bengaluru residents face rising living costs despite high salaries. Essential services, including public transport and milk, have seen significant price hikes. A recent online discussion was sparked when a Bengaluru-based tech professional lamented that his high salary was still not enough to meet the city's rising cost of living. While some argued that better financial planning could help manage expenses, others pointed out that government-driven price hikes had significantly strained household budgets. From transportation and fuel to milk and toll charges, multiple essential services have seen a surge in costs over the past year.

Metro Fare Hike: Commuters Pay the Price

One of the most significant increases in expenses has been in Namma Metro fares. In February this year, the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) revised its pricing structure, pushing the maximum fare from ₹60 to ₹90. Additionally, the minimum balance required on smart cards has doubled from ₹50 to ₹90. With thousands of daily commuters relying on the metro, the 50-90% fare hike has added a substantial financial strain on Bengaluru residents.

BMTC Bus Fare Surge Hits Daily Commuters

Public transport users also had to bear additional expenses after the Karnataka government approved a 15% hike in fares for state-owned transport corporations in January. This led to increased ticket prices for Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses, which are a crucial mode of transport for daily commuters. The price of an ordinary daily pass increased from ₹70 to ₹80, while the weekly pass saw a hike from ₹300 to ₹350. The ordinary monthly pass now costs ₹1,200, up from ₹1,050, further affecting students and regular passengers.

Nandini Milk Prices Continue to Rise

Milk, a staple in most households, has also seen multiple price hikes over the past year. The Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) announced another increase in Nandini milk prices, raising the cost by ₹4 per litre, effective April 1. This follows previous hikes of ₹3 per litre in July 2023 and ₹2 per litre in June 2024. As a result, a one-litre packet of Nandini toned milk, which cost ₹40 last year, is now priced at ₹46. While Nandini claims its rates are still lower than competitors like Amul and Heritage, consumers have felt the pinch of these recurring hikes.

Toll Fees Increase on Key Routes

Commuting through Bengaluru's major highways has become costlier as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) raised toll charges from April 1. Travelers heading to Kempegowda International Airport or using the Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR) are now paying higher toll fees. Rates at key toll plazas, including Sadahalli (NH 7) and Hulikunte and Nalluru Devanahalli (NH 648), have been revised upward by 5%. The 119-km Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway has also implemented a toll hike, further increasing travel costs for commuters.

Conclusion: The Growing Financial Burden

The increasing cost of essential services has put Bengaluru residents under financial pressure. While the city continues to be a hub for employment and economic activity, the rising cost of living has led to growing concerns among professionals and daily wage earners alike. With public transport, dairy products, and travel expenses all witnessing price surges, Bengaluru’s cost of living has undeniably skyrocketed over the past year. Unless corrective measures are taken, the financial strain on residents is likely to continue.