The Congress and the PMK on Monday criticised the fare fixed for the Chennai Metro rail services and demanded an immediate downward revision.
In a statement, PMK leader S. Ramadoss described as “daylight robbery” the fare — Rs. 40 for 10 km and Rs. 80 for luxury coaches for the same distance — fixed by the Chennai Metro.
“Delhi Metro collects only Rs. 16 for the same distance. The minimum fare in Delhi Metro is Rs 8. But in Chennai, the minimum rate has been fixed at Rs. 10,” he said.
Dr. Ramadoss said the rate would prevent poor people from making use of the Metro since air-conditioned buses were charging Rs. 30 for same distance and suburban trains Rs. 5.
TNCC president E.V.K.S. Elangovan said the rate for a 17 km commute between Adarsh Nagar and Yamuna Bank in New Delhi was only Rs. 19 and added that the very purpose of the service would be defeated if such high rates are maintained.
“Compared to the rate in Delhi Metro, the fare fixed by the Chennai Metro is exorbitant,” he pointed out and said Ms. Jayalalithaa had no locus standi to inaugurate the Metro Rail as she had opposed the move when it was launched during the UPA regime.
Union Minister absent at function
While the Minister for Urban Development Venkaiah Naidu has talked about Chennai Metro Rail on several occasions, he was absent during the inauguration of the first service of Chennai Metro Rail from Alandur to Koyambedu. It was widely expected that he may participate in the inauguration. But Mukund Kumar Sinha from the Ministry of Urban Development was present at the event. It is not clear if the Minister was invited for the function or not.
