Mumbai Metro fare revision: It’s our right to modify discounts, Metro One to MMRDA

Mumbai city news: The MMRDA and MMOPL have been in dispute over the fare structure of the 11.4-km Metro line since 2014.

A fortnight after Mumbai Metro One Private Limited, slashed the discount on return journey fares, the Reliance Infrastructure-led company said it was “well within its rights” to modify discounts and promotions.

The prices of tokens for return Metro journeys went up by Rs5 to Rs10, while those of passes rose by Rs75 to Rs450. (Praful Gangurde)

MMOPL’s move on June 12 left passengers fuming. The prices of tokens for return journeys went up by Rs5 to Rs10, while those of passes rose by Rs75 to Rs450.

In a reply to the notice issued by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), which holds 26% equity in MMOPL, said the change in fare structure did not amount to disregarding the Bombay high court’s order. “In our reply to the MMRDA on June 22, we have contended that our right to fix the fare on the initial opening of the project is in accordance with the provisions of Metro Railways (Operation& Maintenance) Act, 2002,” said a Mumbai Metro One spokesperson.

The MMRDA and MMOPL have been in dispute over the fare structure of the 11.4-km Metro line since 2014. The HC has put a stay on any increase of the existing fares. “It is a grey area. They have tweaked the discounts, which is their right, and have not altered the slabs. Now if the HC takes cognizance of this when the hearing commences, it’s a different matter,” an MMRDA official said.