Despite repeated requests by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for fare hike, any such move seems unlikely before Delhi Assembly elections which are due in November.
The Urban Development ministry, sources said, is yet to nominate members for a Fare Fixation Committee which is required to give its report in 90 days.
DMRC chief Mangu Singh has at least on three occassions written to the UD ministry that cost of inputs like electricity has escalated and a revision of its fares was needed, they said.
However, the UD ministry has till now not been able to finalise the nomination of the three members as required under the DMRC Act.
"Until now the government has not nominated members for the committee. Under the Metro Act, the committee is expected to give its report in 90 days. However, with the model code of conduct to be announced anytime now, the fare hike is unlikely to take place before the elections," a source said.
When asked about the procedure for setting up of a Fare Fixation Committee, Prakash Singh, Director Mass Rapid Transport System (MRTS), Urban Development Ministry said that as per the DMRC Act, a committee which is chaired by a serving or retired judge should be appointed.
"The three-member committee is constituted by the Government of India. The chairperson of the committee should be a serving or a retired judge. The committee looks after inflation, electricity cost before deciding on the fare hike," said Singh.
