HC stays Mumbai Metro One fare hike plan, for now

MMRDA had strongly opposed the fare fixation committee's recommendation of fare slabs

The high court here on Thursday stayed the proposal to hike Mumbai Metro One fare up to Rs 5 till January 29 on   a petition filed by the state undertaking Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). The 11.4-km Versova Andheri Ghatkopar service is operated by the Reliance Infrastructure arm Mumbai Metro One Pvt Ltd (MMOPL).

MMRDA had strongly opposed the fare fixation committee (FFC)’s recommendation of fare slabs of Rs 10 to 110 from the existing Rs 10, 20, 30,40. MMRDA had pitched for the original fare structure ranged from Rs 9 to Rs 13 as envisaged in the concession agreement. However, MMOPL had taken a decision to increase fare up to Rs 5 from December 1 but it deferred it till December 17, as the high court was to hear MMRDA's petition.

According to sources, MMOPL, which ferries 2.5 lakh commuters daily, is incurring a loss of Rs 40 lakh a day. It has estimated a loss of Rs 300 crore for 2015-16.

MMOPL on November 27 had announced hike of Rs 1 from December 1 in the fare charged on the 45 trip monthly pass which is currently available in the two slabs of Rs 675 for short and Rs 900 long trips. These monthly passes will now be available at Rs 725 for short and Rs 950 for long trips.

Further, the fare in the single journey token category was increased by a moderate Rs 5 per trip. Instead of the earlier slabs of Rs 10, 20, 30 and 40, the new structure will have five slabs comprising Rs 10, 20, 25, 35 and 45.

The fare slabs per trip for the return journey token category have been similarly revamped from Rs 10, 15, 25 and 30 earlier to Rs 10, 20, 22.50, 30 and 35.

The increase in the fare per trip for the commuters holding store value passes is just Rs 2. Instead of  the fare slabs of Rs 10, 18, 27 and 32, the revamped structure has five slabs of Rs 10, 20, 22, 29 and 34 in this category.

Meanwhile, the state government has not yet taken a call on MMOPL's plea to provide one-time grant of Rs 1,000 crore, monthly subsidy of Rs 21.75 crore and exploitation of real estate along the metro railway stations. MMOPL had submitted its representation on July 29, seeking government's assistance to enable it to continue with the fare slab of Rs 10, 20, 30 and 40.

Besides, pressure is mounting from the ruling the BJP for ordering an audit by the Comptroller & Auditor General of India in the MMOPL's functioning. The BJP sources said the government announcement in this regard is expected during or after the winter session of the state legislature.