Kejriwal writes to PM Modi, seeks discount for students in Metro trains

AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing his desire to provide a 50 per cent concession to students traveling on the Delhi Metro, which is jointly managed by the Centre and the Delhi Government.

“I want to draw your attention to an important matter. The students of Delhi are largely dependent on the Metro to commute to their schools or colleges. To reduce the financial burden on them, I propose a 50 per cent concession for students using the Delhi Metro,” Kejriwal stated in the letter.

Since the Delhi Metro is a 50:50 joint venture between the Delhi Government and the Central Government, Kejriwal suggested that the cost of the concession should be equally shared by both parties. He also mentioned that the Delhi Government is planning to make bus travel completely free for students.

The Delhi Metro, the largest and busiest rapid transit system in India, connects the capital region with nearby satellite cities. It is operated by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), a public-sector company established jointly by the Centre and the Delhi Government in May 1995.

Currently, the Delhi Metro network spans approximately 395.25 km and includes 289 stations. The network extends beyond Delhi into Noida and Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh, as well as Gurugram, Faridabad, Bahadurgarh and Ballabhgarh in Haryana.

While bus travel in Delhi is already free for women, and discounted passes exist for students, physically disabled and senior citizens, no concessions are currently available for the Delhi Metro. This makes Metro travel unaffordable for a significant portion of regular commuters in the city.