JOIN USThe Delhi metro fares are likely to shoot up as the fare fixation committee appointed by the government is expected to give its recommendations on fare hike by the middle of this year, said metro officials on the sidelines of a working model of a train launched at the Metro Museum at Patel Chowk.
Mangu Singh, managing director of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said that the independent committee, constituted by the Union Urban Development Ministry, will make its recommendations after conducting a detailed study of the ground situation and if a hike is recommended, it will be binding for the metro to abide by it.
“They (the committee members) will study and give their report in four to five months,” said Singh.
The fares were increased last in November 2009 with no further hikes where the minimum fare was increased from Rs six to eight and the maximum from Rs 22 to 30.
A working model of a metro train depicting real time operating scenario with tracks was launched on Thursday at the Metro museum. Metro is looking for space to expand its museum at a different location.
Metro chief also honoured top ten Smart Card users of the Delhi Metro, where some of the smart card users had spent Rs 15,000 in the past few months, and volunteers of the Metro Citizens’ Forum volunteers programme were also awarded.
Singh also unveiled new souvenir items for sale which include visiting card holders, digital thermometers and key chains.
Commenting on the demand of running trains beyond 12 am, Singh said that virtually trains are running till 12 am and the services start a little before 5 am, adding that he does not see any reason in extending the time.
Delhi metro ferries nearly 1.8 million passengers over 2,700 trips a day.