The Delhi Metro’s Lajpat Nagar-Durgabai Deshmukh South Campus corridor of the Pink Line was flagged off by Union Minister Hardeep Puri and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Puri said it was unlikely that there would be a fare hike in 2019 as the ridership was increasing. “The ridership is increasing and the projection for Phase III, once it is fully operational, is 39 lakh. The average for the last 20 days has been 28 lakh. With an increasing ridership, the revenue is also increasing and hence we might not have to increase the fares,” said Mr. Puri.
Concessions
Mr. Puri also said that a proposal to provide concessional passes to students and senior citizens would be considered. “We will work towards adopting a technology-based solution for students and senior citizens to provide respite to them from the fare hike,” the Minister said.
Pertaining to questions over the approval of the Delhi Metro’s Phase IV project, Mr. Puri said, “It is our duty — myself and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal — to support them [DMRC] and we are doing that. We will find a solution to the remaining problems regarding the upcoming lines in a cooperative manner and that will be in the interest of the people of Delhi.”
Stating that the expansion of metro network would help tackle parking and pollution issues in the Capital, Mr. Kejriwal said: “This section will connect the city’s prominent markets. The problem of parking in these markets will also be solved. With the current section, the Delhi Metro network is now expanded to over 296 km. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has provided comfortable and green transport to the people of Delhi.”
Union Minister Anant Kumar and Ambassador of Japan to India, Kenji Hiramatsu were also present at the event.
The 8.1-kilometre stretch, which is a part of the Majlis Park-Shiv Vihar Pink Line corridor, will connect four major markets in the city, including Lajpat Nagar, INA, Sarojini Nagar and South Extension.