New Delhi:
Travel in Delhi Metro might get costlier five months down the line with the government-appointed Fare Fixation Committee expected to come out with its recommendations on fare hike by the middle of this year.
Delhi Metro Managing Director Mangu Singh said on Thursday that the independent committee would take its own time to give its recommendations after conducting a detailed study of the ground situation.
If the Fare Fixation Committee constituted by the Union Urban Development Ministry recommends a hike in the fare structure, it is binding on the Delhi Metro, which a joint venture of the Centre and Delhi Government.
"The Fare Fixation Committee has been appointed. They will study and give their report in four to five months. Their functioning is independent and they will take their own time," he told reporters on the sidelines of a function at the 'Metro Museum' in New Delhi.
Delhi Metro fares were last raised in 2009 and since then there has been no hike. As per the Delhi Metro Railway (Operation and Maintenance) Act 2002, the Centre can from time to time constitute a Fare Fixation Committee to recommend passenger carriage fares.
Mr Singh also ruled out running Metro trains beyond 12 am, saying there is no demand during such hours from passengers.
"Virtually we have trains running till 12 am and the services start a little before 5 am. So I don't see any need for running trains beyond 12 am. The last set of trains which are in service hardly have any passengers," he said.
The Metro chief also said the Delhi Metro has been conducting exercises to check whether areas outside its stations are well lit up to ensure the safety of passengers, including women.
He also noted that the CISF has increased the number of women constables in Metro station premises.
On the Airport Metro Express corridor, Singh said the line would resume operations after the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety gives his mandatory green signal.