Metro: No ‘free rides’for citizens;full fares to apply from day one

 

 

 

WHILE the long-awaited dream of commuting by Metro is set to become a reality for Bhopal res idents on December 21, howev er, it comes with a price tag from the very first minute. The Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL) has official ly ruled out any ‘free ride’ peri od or promotional offers for the commencement of commercial operations. In a press confer ence, Managing Director S Krishna Chaitanya clarified that the established fare chart will be effective for Bhopalites from day one of public service.

 

Bhopal Policy Diverges from Indore: The decision has dashed the hopes of many residents who expected a free trial similar to the one offered in Indore, where thousands enjoyed complimen tary rides during the initial launch phase. However, the Bhopal Metro administration has adopted a ‘No Free Ride’ policy to manage operational costs and revenue from the outset. Passengers travelling on the 7.4 km ‘Priority Corridor’ between AIIMS and Subhash Nagar must purchase a ticket, with the min imum fare starting at Rs 20. No relief for commuters

■No Free Rides: Unlike Indore, no complimentary travel period will be offered.

■No Promotional Offers: Currently, there are no discount schemes or launch offers.

■Mandatory Fee: A minimum charge of Rs 20 is applicable from the first station.

■ Manual Ticketing Only: No digital wallet or smart card dis counts available yet