Chennai: Continuing with his latest trend of make major announcements almost everyday, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami today said the Metro Rail fares will be reduced.
In a statement, Palaniswami said that the Metro Rail fares have been reduced based on the request made by the public to make the mode of transportation more affordable.
Palansiwami said that the Metro Rail services have completed five years and successfully stepped into the sixth year.
“So far 7.25 crore have made use of the Metro Rail services which was inaugurated on 29 June 2015,” he said.
According to the new fares, Rs 20 will be charged for 2 to 4 kms, Rs 30 for 5 to 12 kms, Rs 40 for 12 to 21 kms and Rs 50 for 21-32 kms. There is no change of price for 0 to 2 kms.
Apart from the regular fares, Palaniswami also said that a discount of Rs 20 per cent will be given to those who use the QR code and contactless card option of the Metro Rail.
“The one day pass of Rs 100 which is used for the present 45km Phase I can also be used for the newly inaugurated 9 km stretch as well,” he said.
Palaniswami also said that the one month pass of Rs 2,500 can also be used to travel in the existing and the newly inaugurated stretch.
He also said that there will be 50 per cent discount in fares for those who take the Metro Rail on Sunday and other government holidays.
Palanisami said that the change in fares will come into effect from 22 February.
“Public are requested to make use of the fare reduction and travel hassle-free in metro rails,” he said.
It may be noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the phase-1 extension of Chennai Metro Rail on 14 February. The phase-1 extension of the metro rail, costing Rs 3,770 crore, covers a distance of 9.05 km, linking North Chennai with the Airport and Central railway station.
The foundation stone for the Phase II of Metro Rail covering 118.9 kms at Rs 63,246 crore was laid by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in November.