Karunanidhi urges Jayalalithaa government to lower Chennai Metro fare

A day after the launch of the Metrotrain service here, DMK chief M Karunanidhi today urged the Tamil Nadu government and rail authorities to reduce the fares.

"On behalf of the DMK which started work for the Metro project during its regime, I urge the Tamil Nadu government and Metro authorities to reduce the fares," he said.

The DMK chief said the authorities should see to it that there were no deficiencies in the project, implemented for the people's welfare. "The Tamil Nadu government and Metro Rail authorities should see the spending power of the people for travel and accordingly cut down the fare," he said.

While the minimum fare is Rs 10, the maximum is Rs 40 for a 10 kilometre stretch between Alandur and Koyambedu.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa launched the Chennai Metro Rail train services here yesterday.

The 45 km Metro Rail project is estimated to cost Rs 14,600 crore and would cover two routes-- the 23.085 km Wannarapet to Airport section-- and the 21.961 km stretch from Chennai Central to St.Thomas Mount.

Congress and PMK have already strongly criticized the fare and have demanded a downward revision.