Metro frequency to increase, no clarity on fare reduction
The fare of Delhi Metro can only be changed by forming a fare fixation committee... The committee’s order can be overruled only by another fare fixation committee that only the Central government can form.
A DMRC OFFICIAL
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Courtmandated Environment and Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority’s (EPCA) direction to slash ticket prices during offpeak hours has put the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in a dilemma. Recently, when the Delhi government asked it to rollback the fare hike, it refused to do so saying it was not its mandate and all decisions regarding ticket prices were taken by the fare-fixation committee.
But on Tuesday when pollution levels peaked and EPCA directed the DMRC to reduce fares, officials wondered if they could enforce the order.
EPCA member Sunita Narain, however, said that DMRC did not have a choice and all decisions taken by EPCA are legally mandated. A hike in parking fees, augmentation of Metro services and introduction of differential rates are measures to be taken under the Graded Response Action Plan’s (GRAP) when pollution hits ‘severe’ category. All these measures were approved by the Supreme Court in 2016.
“The fare of Delhi Metro can only be changed by forming a fare fixation committee. The DMRC could not rollback the recent hike despite repeated requests by the Delhi government as the committee’s order is binding and can be overruled only by another fare fixation committee that only the Central government can form. In this case also, DMRC will not be in a position to take a call and has to be directed by Urban Development Ministry,” said a DMRC official, requesting anonymity.
The DMRC, is however, ready to increase the frequency of trains by running more trains as directed by EPCA on Tuesday.
“The Delhi Metro currently operates with a fleet of 227 train sets comprising of 128 six-coach, 58 eight-coach and 41 four-coach trains across all its corridors. Usually 200 of them operate and the rest undergo maintenance. The frequency can be increased by delaying the maintenance,” the official added.
Metro fares were last increased on October 10, as per the direction of fare fixation committee. The hike lead to tussle between the Centre and the Delhi government.