Transport Minister warns Delhi Metro chief of action over proposed fare hike

NEW DELHI: Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot on Friday warned Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) Managing Director Mangu Singh that the government would take action against him if he goes ahead with the proposed Metro fare hike.

The Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government has been opposing the proposed Metro fare hike from October 10 and has locked horns with DMRC over the second increase this year. 

Gahlot in a letter addressed to the DMRC chief on Friday said that Singh was nominated by the Delhi government "to put forward the view point of Delhi government in the Board meetings of DMRC as well as other forums and meeting". 

Gahlot went on to add that, "If at any point it is felt by the government of NCT of Delhi that its views are not being presented in the right perspective, the government shall be constrained to act as per the prevalent and applicable rules and regulations". 

The DMRC was formed in 1995 with equal equity participation of the Central government and the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi. 

Last week, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had asked Gahlot to find within a week a way to stop the "anti-people" fare hike.

Later, Gahlot had met Singh and asked that the proposed hike be put on hold till the Delhi government completes an inquiry in the matter.

The DMRC defended its decision on hike saying its input costs have gone up over the years, and the increase is at par with Metro rails in other cities.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has also warned of protests if the DMRC remains adamant on increasing fares.

On Thursday, Gahlot had asked Chief Secretary M.M. Kutty to call a meeting of all Delhi government-nominated Directors on the DMRC Board.

The Delhi Assembly will also meet on Monday to discuss the proposed hike and pass a resolution against it.