New Delhi: Media reports suggest that The AAP government in Delhi may not be in favour of a hike in Metro fares.
Since 2009 there has been no revision in metro fares and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has been asking for an upward revision in fares citing increasing costs.
In February, union urban development ministry had sent a proposal to appointments committee of the cabinet to set up a fare fixation panel two weeks ago. The panel, consisting of urban development secretary from the Centre, the finance secretary from the Delhi government and a retired judge, has to submit its report within three months of getting approved.
With a new government in place, a decision is likely to be taken soon, whether to increase the fare or not.
However, keeping in mind the pro-poor image of AAP government, it is highly unlikely the fares would be increased. Any increase in Delhi Metro fares would be seen as a burden on the common man of Delhi.
If the fare fixation panel gets set up, it will decide on a formula for regular fare revision.
Delhi Metro can revise its fares only on the recommendation of a three-member committee constituted by the Centre from time to time. The last committee was formed in 2009, five years ago.
According to a report in The Hindustan Times, Justice (retired) A K Srivastava has been chosen as the chairman of the committee.
DMRC head Mangu Singh had said earlier that it is not in his hand and only the committee will recommend in this regard.
According to Delhi Metro officials, almost 40 per cent of Delhi Metro's overall expenses go towards paying electricity bills with the power consumption rising to around 63 crore units amounting to almost Rs 450 crore in 2014-15.
