Travelling in Delhi Metro would be an expensive affair from Tuesday as new fares come into effect. This is the second fare hike this year and there is a surge of Rs 10 for all travels beyond 5 km. The maximum fare (beyond 32 km) is now Rs 60.
The revised fare structure is:
Up to 2 km – Rs 10,
2 to 5 km – Rs 20,
5 to 12 km – Rs 30,
12 to 21 km – Rs 40,
21 to 32 km – Rs 50,
Beyond 32 km – Rs 60.
However, the smart card users will continue to enjoy a 10 per cent discount on their rides. As per DMRC’s estimations, smart card users come about 70 per cent of the metro’s total ridership. They will get an extra discount of 10 per cent while traveling during off-peak hours. It is from the start of services till 8 AM, between 12 PM and 5 PM and from 9 PM to end of services.
The decision of fare hike was announced after Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) highest decision-making body, the DMRC board, refused to “interfere” in the issue. It said it has no power to change the decision of the fare fixation committee (FCC) that had proposed the hike.
The DMRC had been demanding a hike citing “losses” considering loans and rise in input costs. “Out of 16, Delhi government has five Directors, who opposed but Centre was adamant. Hike too steep. The centre should have been more considerate for the common man (sic),” said Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal who is against the decision.
There would be no change in the fares of Airport Express Line (Orange Line).
