Metro fare hike could be reconsidered if you pay DMRC Rs 3,000 crore every year: Centre tells Kejriwal govt

(File Photo)

Four days ahead of the proposed Metro fare hike, the Centre has informed the Delhi government that if the latter is willing to pay an amount of Rs 3,000 crore to the DMRC every year, then a new Fare Fixation Committee (FFC) could be set up, news agency ANI reported. The DMRC, which is set to increase the fares of Metro tickets in Delhi for a second time this year, has been facing strict opposition from the Arvind Kejriwal-led government.

The FFC had recommended a hike in fares which was to be implemented in two phases once in May and the other in October. Despite a vocal protest, minimum fare was hiked from Rs 8 to Rs 10 and maximum from Rs 30 to Rs 50. On October 10, the price will be increased further by Rs 5-10 for more than two kilometers.

In a letter to the MD of DMRC, the state transport minister Kailash Gahlot has said that they oppose the second fare hike suggested by the DMRC as it is in violation of the recommendations of the FCC.

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Letter to MD, DMRC pic.twitter.com/NQDhuww4RO

— Kailash Gahlot (@kgahlot) October 6, 2017

Taking a ‘pro-poor’ stance, the state government maintains that the fare hike recommendation is unfair and wants some more time to deliberate and discuss the issue. The DMRC, on the other hand, has defended its decision to raise the fares citing better experience for the travellers and increase in the number of Metro trains, lifts and other passenger services.