Mumbai:
In what will be temporary relief for Mumbaikars, commuters on the 11.04 km Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar (VAG) metro line one will have to shell out Rs 10-20 till July 31 instead of the Rs 10-40 that was initially announced by Mumbai Metro One Private Limited (MMOPL).
MMOPL, a subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure, gave a statement to this effect before the Bombay High Court, which was hearing a petition filed by MMRDA challenging a single judge's order rejecting its plea for a stay on the rates fixed for MMOPL. The reduced fares will be effective from July 8 till July 31.
The new discounted fare slab will range from minimum Rs 10 to maximum Rs 20. Keeping in view the overwhelming response from the Mumbaikars, the MMOPL, as a goodwill gesture has decided not to immediately introduce the notified fare of Rs 10 (minimum) to Rs 40 (maximum) and provide huge discount on the initial fare.
MMOPL, on May 29, 2014, had fixed the fare ranging between Rs 10 to Rs 40 as the fare for initial opening of the Mumbai Metro Railway as per Section 33 of the 2002 Metro Act. In the very first month of its service, the MMOPL had introduced a promotional fare of Rs 10 flat for the commuters to commute between any two stations in a bid to attract patronage. The promotional fare was set to expire on July 8.
As per the new discounted slab, a commuter would have to pay mere Rs 20 to travel between Versova and Ghatkopar by using the token and Rs 15 if he uses a smart card.
MMOPL statement regarding today's proceedings in court.
The Division Bench of the Bombay High Court heard the matter; no stay granted to MMRDA. MMOPL was allowed to charge the new promotional fare. The High Court directed MMRDA to make state and central governments parties to the matter. The next hearing is scheduled on 23rd July, 2014.