Jaipur Metro Rail Corporation requests govt to raise development funds from 15% to 25 %

JAIPUR: Jaipur Metro Rail Corporation (JMRC), adversely affected during the Covid- 19 crises, has demanded to increase the share of the Rajasthan Transport Infrastructure Development Fund (RTIDF) from the state government. At present, the Jaipur Metro Rail Corporation (JMRC) receives 15% share from RTIDF. The corporation has requested to increase the funds up to 25%.
In absence of any communication from the Centre about reopening of its services, Jaipur Metro is set to lose revenue every month if it remains idle.
A JMRC official said, “The revenue earning source of Metro was affected during lockdown. In a span of 2 months almost Rs 2.5 crore each month was lost. Considering these circumstances, the request was sent to the state.”
Unlike other state Metros, the maximum share of operational losses of Jaipur Metro are being borne by residents since the state government is raising money for RTIDF by levying cess on several services. After RTIDF fund was increased to 15%, the JMRC was approximately receiving Rs 42 crore and gap of deficit amount (operational losses and earning) was covered. Once, share is increased, the JMRC might receive above Rs 50 crore.
On an average, the Metro is incurring approximately Rs 40 crore expenditure per annum that includes maintenance and operational cost, salaries and other fixed expenses.
A source said, “Even though ridership of Metro is less and reached 20,000 passengers daily, it boosts some revenue. Moreover, as Phase I(B) corridor is ready, the revenue and ridership were expected to increase.”