Metro fare controversy rages on

There seems to be no end to the ongoing Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar Metro fare hike controversy between the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and Mumbai Metro One Private Limited (MMOPL). The MMOPL is of the view that at a time when even the Indian Railway is set to charge minimum train fares of Rs 10, an increase of Rs 5 from its earlier fare, the MMRDA and the state government cannot expect them to charge Rs 9 as minimum fare for a Metro ride.

The Fare Fixation Committee (FFC) had earlier recommended to the MMOPL that the minimum fare should be kept at Rs 10 and the maximum fare could be increased to Rs 110 citing increasing operational costs as reason. Earlier in July this year, the MMOPL had issued a statement saying there would be no fare hike till October 31. But in October, it was extended up to November 30. The MMRDA had also filed a writ petition against recommendation of FFC for an increase in fare by Rs 10 for every subsequent station. Dilip Kawathkar, deputy metropolitan commissioner, MMRDA, said, “We are firm on our stand and will also maintain the same that MMOPL has to charge Rs 9-11-13 as was decided in an agreement signed between MMOPL and the state government.”

An MMOPL official, requesting anonymity, said, “By asking the MMOPL to charge less than what the Indian railways is going to charge, they are indirectly downgrading the Metro and inviting financial troubles for the MMOPL. If there is a financial crisis, how do you expect us to maintain the Metro in a world-class manner ”

In reply to a RTI query last month, Public Information Officer of the MMOPL, had said, “Metro has witnessed an increase in the number of passengers even after the inaugural fares of services were increased.” Meanwhile, official spokesperson of the MMOPL said, “The fares are going to be the same till November 30, but we have to achieve the dual objective of affordable fare and business sustainability. It may increase later depending on how things go ahead.”