Delhi government mulls over hike in DTC fares

Prepare to dig deeper into your pockets for state bus fares, with Delhi government ruminating on a revision in fees charged by the cash-strapped Delhi Transport Corporation, which has offered tickets at a steady price since 2009.

For Delhiites, the revision would follow close on the heels of a Metro fare hike last year, which was enforced despite protests by the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

The DTC fare rationalisation was suggested by Principal Secretary (Finance) at a DTC Board meeting held in June under the chairmanship of Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot. Officials had also discussed the formation of a committee which could examine alternative avenues of revenue generation to haul the corporation out of the dire straits. But the committee has not been formed yet, said sources in the transport department.

While DNA's repeated calls and messages to Gahlot went unanswered, a Delhi government spokesperson said, "No such proposal has been moved to the government yet," said.

The minutes of the June meeting, however, state: "It was pointed out that DTC fares have not been revised since 2009, notwithstanding the cost of men and material which has increased manifold. Principal Secretary (Finance) was of the view that DTC should immediately examine and move a proposal regarding fare revision to the administrative department."