Former Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to approve a 50% concession on Delhi Metro fares for students. Kejriwal emphasized that both the Delhi and Central governments should share the financial burden of implementing the proposal equally.
In his letter to the Prime Minister on Friday, Kejriwal highlighted the significant number of school and college students who rely on the Delhi Metro for their daily commute. He stressed that the proposed concession would ease the financial burden on students and their families.
“I am writing this letter to draw your attention to an important matter concerning the students of schools and colleges in Delhi. A large number of students in Delhi rely heavily on the metro for their daily commute to and from their educational institutions,” Kejriwal stated.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) operates as a joint venture between the Delhi and Central governments, with both entities sharing financial responsibilities equally. Citing this partnership, Kejriwal proposed that the costs incurred from the student fare concession should also be borne equally by both governments.
Kejriwal further revealed that the AAP government plans to make bus travel entirely free for students in addition to the already free bus rides for women in Delhi. He expressed optimism that PM Modi would support the metro fare concession plan, noting that the move would greatly benefit students across the capital.
However, due to the ongoing enforcement of the model code of conduct ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections on February 5, the proposal cannot be implemented immediately. Kejriwal clarified that any decision on the matter could only be executed after the formation of the new government.
The counting of votes for the Delhi Assembly elections will take place on February 8. Kejriwal, who is seeking re-election, has positioned the fare concession as part of AAP’s broader commitment to providing affordable and accessible public transport for Delhi’s residents.
