E Sreedharan writes Narendra Modi to block Arvind Kejriwal’s proposal of free Delhi Metro rides for women 

E Sreedharan.

E Sreedharan, who is also known as the “Metro Man” of India for his planning and execution of the Delhi Metro network, has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to allow Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal’s proposal to give free Delhi Metro passes for women. Kejriwal, who is also the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party, recently promised to make Delhi Metro free for women, which was seen as a pre-election attempt to lure voters.

Sreedharan, in his letter to the PM wrote: “If the Delhi government wants to provide the benefit (to women), it should transfer the money into their accounts. I would suggest that if Delhi government is keen to help lady commuters, I would suggest Delhi government can pay directly to the lady commuters the cost of travel rather than make travel free on the Metro.”

Sreedharan argues: “If ladies are given free travel concession on Delhi Metro it would set an alarming precedence to all other Metros in the country. The argument of Delhi government that revenue levies would be reimbursed to DMRC is a poor solace. The amount involved is over ₹1,000 crore per annum today. This will go on increasing as the Metro network expands and with further fare hikes on the Metro. Succeeding governments will not be able to pay this subsidy.”

Related