Reliance Infrastructure justifies Mumbai Metro rail fares

Reliance Infrastructure on Friday justified the Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar Metro fare, which will range from Rs10 to Rs40, before the Bombay high court.

In an affidavit submitted before HC, RInfra has said the fares were fixed on the basis of the project cost. The company added that a flat rate of Rs10 was currently being charged as promotional fare for a month, but the maximum fare would be increased to Rs40 later.

Senior counsel Iqbal Chagla said the promotional offer will be valid till July 9.

Justice RD Dhanuka took the affidavit on record and kept the matter for hearing on June 19. HC has asked Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) to file a rejoinder by then.

Phase I of Metro was inaugurated on June 8 amidst great fanfare. However, in the fixation of fares, a dispute arose between MMRDA and RInfra.

MMRDA, which holds 26% stake in Mumbai Metro One Pvt Ltd (MMOPL), challenged the operator's fare structure, arguing that it had suggested fares in the range of Rs9 to Rs13 after consulting a fare fixation committee and taking all aspects into consideration.

RInfra has taken a stand saying, "The initial fare has been fixed and notified as Rs10, Rs20, Rs30 and Rs40 under section 33 of the Central Metro Act, 2002. As per the central government's directive, the MMOPL is the Metro Railway Administration and the fare for the Mumbai Metro is to be fixed afresh by MMOPL..."