The Delhi Metro Railway Corporation (DMRC) implemented the second price hike in metro fares this year.
With a maximum increase of Rs 10 in the fares that were applicable since May, the commuters may now have to pay Rs 5 to Rs 10 extra depending on the distance travelled.
The price hike has reportedly been implemented due to a 213 percent increase in repair and maintenance costs for the DMRC.
While commuters were paying Rs 15 for traveling a distance between 2 km and 5 km, now they will have to pay Rs 20. The maximum fare has increased to Rs 60 from Rs 50. Smart card users will continue to get 10 percent discount, so would those who happen to use metro during non-peak hours – between start of the metro service till 8 am, between 12 pm and 5 pm, and from 9 pm till the close of service.
While most commuters were angry at the Central government for the price hike, a few supported the decision and hailed the fact that the DMRC was increasing fares to better the quality.
If we want the facilities that people get in foreign countries then we will need to pay for them as well.Pankaj Pandey, Delhi Metro Commuter
ABVP, NSUI Volunteers Protest Against Fare Hike
ABVP and NSUI protesters came out in huge numbers to protest the hike and demanded lower fares for students and daily commuters.
In the name of better days, Kejriwal and the Modi government are looting common people. Earlier we used to pay Rs 20 for a metro ride to college, but now we will have to pay Rs 60 for the same. How will the underprivileged student attain education?Rahul, NSUI protester
The ABVP works for students, not for any political party and we are proud of it... We have enough guts to fight on genuine student issues.Saket Bahuguna, Media Convener, ABVP
Delhi Deputy Chief Minister, Manish Sisodia, claimed that the Central government deliberately increased the prices to benefit private taxi companies.
Metro prices have been deliberately increased so that the common people’s money can go to the private companies. Our Prime Minister behaves like a brand ambassador for private taxi companies and now to benefit them, the fares have been increased. Central government is sold to the private companies.Manish Sisodia, Deputy CM, Delhi
DMRC claims that even after the price hike, the metro prices in Delhi are cheaper than in most cities.
Video Editor: Mohd Irshad Alam
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