After giving in-principle approval for Phase II of Namma Metro, the State Government has directed Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) to frame a policy for differential fare pricing, besides exploring ways of earning carbon credits
Phase II of the project covers 72.095 km and has 61 stations. The estimated cost of the project is Rs. 26,405.14 crore.
An order (GO) issued on Tuesday says: “Necessary action shall be taken by BMRCL to adopt a policy of differential pricing of fare.” The order also adds that the policy should look at having a higher fare (wherever feasible) for trips originating and ending in certain specified stations and charging higher fare during peak hours.
This move is expected to help the BMRCL garner more revenue in the initial phases of operation, besides providing for efficient services, sources said. They said that since the Phase II would connect Electronics City, home to several Information Technology (IT) companies, a lot more people may use the service. Thus, stations along these stretches may be considered for higher fares. It is said that BMRCL is yet to set up a price fixation committee.
The two new lines — Gottigere to Nagawara (covering 21.25 km, with 13.79 km underground lines) and R.V. Road to Bommasandra (covering 18.82 km) — traverse through some of the areas that see a lot of vehicular movement. Phase I and Phase II network would be capable of carrying 14.8 lakh passengers a day in 2017-18.
With regard to fund generation, the GO suggests collection of cess from new layouts/ new developments. As per the proceedings of the Government regarding according approval to Phase II, levying of cess at 5 per cent of the market value of the land or/and building in future property developments and new layouts has been proposed under Section 18(a) of the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act. The proceeds from the cess thus collected will be credited to Metro Infrastructure Fund. This fund is to be shared between the BMRCL (65 per cent), Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (20 per cent) and Bangalore Development Authority (15 per cent).
Cess
The proceedings also propose a cess on Additional Area Ratio, including properties along Phase I. “The Floor Area Ration (FAR) up to 4.0 is proposed to be allowed for all properties lying within an influence area of 500 metres on either side of the alignment of both Phase I and Phase II,” a statement said.
As per the proposal, the cess will be 10 per cent and 20 per cent for residential and commercial buildings respectively. The cess collected will be shared between the BMRCL (60 per cent), Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (20 per cent), BWSSB (10 per cent) and BDA (10 per cent).
