Title - Now, Metro hints at fare revision

New Delhi A day after power tariffs saw a steep increase, Delhi Metro indicated that there could be a trickle down effect on its own fare structure leading to a fare revision. For Delhi Metro, power rates have been increased to Rs 5 per unit from Rs 3.80 per unit, a 31.57 per cent hike.In a general body meeting held on Wednesday, senior Delhi Metro officials discussed the possibility of a fare revision in the wake of power tariff hike and increase in cost of several other components of the final cost.Satish Kumar, Director (Electrical) of DMRC, said, “The increase in power tariff, which is over 30 per cent, will have an impact on the overall cost of running the Metro. This looks substantial as the existing cost of electricity is roughly 30 per cent of the total operations and maintenance cost, which will now become 38 to 40 per cent. This increase has to be factored into our overall budget.”Once the Delhi Metro has taken stock of the impact of the tariff hike and other increase in expenditure, it will write to the Ministry of Urban Development requesting a fare revision.The Delhi Metro last increased its fares in November 2009, and implemented a 36-per cent raise.The increase in minimum fare was by Rs 2, taking the ticket Rs 8. The maximum fare increased from Rs 22 to Rs 30. That was the third time Delhi Metro had revised fares since it began operations in 2002.

After Kolkata and Cairo, Delhi Metro has the third lowest fare. Keeping a low fare structure, the body has worked on a financial model where earnings from property development has been the main focus of drawing revenue.

Around 20 lakh commuters use the Metro every day.