AAP representative’s objection to Delhi Metro fare hike ignored: Saurabh Bharadwaj

The representation of the Delhi government in the Metro’s fare fixation panel was futile if its views were not considered before raising tariffs, the Aam Aadmi Party said on Monday.

KK Sharma had on June 30 vehemently protested against the proposed fare hike, AAP’s Delhi unit chief spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj said. Sharma was sent by the Delhi government as its representative in the fare fixation committee.

While talking about the fare hike decision, Bharadwaj said “What is the use of having a representative of an elected government in the fare fixation committee if the Urban Development Ministry and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) want to go ahead without taking its views into consideration.”

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He said fares of Kolkata Metro, which is the oldest in the country, were lower than that of the Delhi Metro, as he sought to draw a parallel between the transport systems of the two metropolitans.

“The fare for Delhi Metro is Rs 10 for the first five kms, whereas the first five kms in the Kolkata Metro costs Rs 5. Delhiities have to spend Rs 50 for 32 kms or more whereas people from Kolkata shell Rs 25 for travelling 25 kms or more,” he added.

The AAP has threatened protests over the proposed fare hike.

(With PTI inputs)

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