Arvind Kejriwal: Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to approve a 50% subsidy on metro fares for school and college students. Highlighting the financial strain on students who rely heavily on metro services for their daily commute, Kejriwal emphasized the importance of making transportation more affordable for young learners.
AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal writes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide a 50% subsidy on Metro fares for school and college students.
He also proposed that the burden of this subsidy be borne by the state and central government by a ratio of 50:50 pic.twitter.com/no13Y8QC2Z
— ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2025
In his letter, Kejriwal proposed that the cost of the subsidy be shared equally between the Delhi government and the central government in a 50:50 ratio, given that Delhi Metro is a joint venture between the two entities. He also pointed out that the Delhi government is planning to make bus travel entirely free for students, further easing their financial burden.
Proposes Joint Cost-Sharing Model Between State and Centre
“Students across Delhi depend on the metro to commute to their schools and colleges. Reducing metro fares by 50% will significantly alleviate their financial stress and promote the use of public transportation,” the letter stated.
Arvind Kejriwal Urges PM Modi to Provide 50% Metro Fare Subsidy for Students
Kejriwal underscored that such a move would not only benefit students but also encourage environmentally sustainable practices by increasing metro usage and reducing reliance on private vehicles.
The proposal aligns with AAP’s focus on improving public transportation and making it accessible to all sections of society. While the Delhi government has already implemented free bus travel for women and is planning the same for students, the inclusion of metro fare subsidies would be a significant addition to their efforts.
The central government’s response to this proposal is awaited. If approved, it could set a precedent for similar measures in other cities, enhancing public transportation’s affordability and accessibility nationwide.
