Metro fare hike deferred again as panel seeks time

New Delhi: Metro rail commuters won't have to shell out more immediately as the committee formed for recommending revision of fares for DMRC has sought three more months for submission of its report.

The panel set up by urban development ministry had notified the Fair Fixation Committee (FFC), headed by former Delhi High Court judge M L Mehta, for revision of fares for Delhi Metro in May-end.The panel was tasked to submit its recommendations in three months, which is ending today (Thursday).

Sources said Justice Mehta has sent a letter to the ministry seeking an extension of three months for submitting the report. The other two members of the 4th FFC are ministry's additional secretary Durga Shanker Mishra and Delhi chief secretary, KK Sharma.

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has been demanding the fare revision in view of the increase in electricity tariff and other operational costs. Sources said 40% of DMRC's total expenditure is on account of electricity charges which has increased by almost 100% in the past six years.

Moreover, the Metro network has expanded manifold with trains running long distances in the NCR covering places like Noida, Faridabad, Gurgaon and Badli. Moreover, the operating ratio of DMRC has been deteriorating. From 40% in 2002, the expenses to operate the network has increased to 70% at present.

The last fare revision had taken place in 2009 when the minimum fare was increased to Rs 8 and maximum to Rs 30.

New fares can only be implemented on the recommendation of a committee on fare revision, set up by the ministry of urban development.

Global Demand for Chartered Accountants Rising Rapidly Across Industries, Says Former ICAI President

Around 110 newly qualified Chartered Accountants received degrees during the first-ever ICAI convocation held in Coimbat...

FICCI, CODISSIA and NSE Host Workshop on Unlocking Growth Through Capital Markets and IPOs

Industry leaders and financial experts highlighted the growing importance of capital markets and IPOs as powerful tools...

Fake Narratives in Sulur Case: DMK Legal Wing Files Complaint Against Pro-TVK Social Media Handles

DMK Legal Wing has filed a criminal complaint with the DGP and Greater Chennai Police Commissioner against two individua...

IT Employee Petitions for Government Honours for Mullivaikkal, Sterlite Victims

Aravind, an IT employee from Veerakeralam area in Coimbatore, has submitted a petition to the District Collector demandi...

Two-Day Agricultural Export Training at TNAU: Opportunity for Farmers and Entrepreneurs

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University is conducting a two-day training program on agricultural export documentation and pro...

TNAU Offers One-Day Mushroom Cultivation Training on June 5

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University's Plant Pathology Department is conducting a one-day mushroom cultivation training on...