Delhi metro incur heavy losses due to COVID-19, seeks govt support

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation said that it has incurred heavy revenue losses due to COVID-19. It seeks government intervention to aid in loan repayment to a Japanese investment firm. In Delhi, metro services have been shut since March 22, the day Prime Minister Narendra Modi imposed the ''Janta Curfew''.

New Delhi:Delhi metro rail, the lifeblood of sprawling metropolis incurred losses amounting to Rs. 1,200 crore after being forced to close down owing to COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), services have remained closed for almost four months now and revenue dip has affected the loan repayment credentials of the management.

India and Japan had exchanged notes for a loan from Japan's International Cooperation Agency (Zika) worth Rs 35,000 crores for metro rail projects. A part of this loan has to be repaid by DMRC in the next 30 years.

According to sources, DMRC used to earn about Rs. 10 crores daily from its metro operations.

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However, the Delhi Metro system will continue to be powered for essential internal operational maintenance activities during this duration and security of the system will continue to be taken care of by CISF. Along with this, DMRC is also giving salary to about 1,000 employees.

DMRC has now sought help from the central government and asked for an extension to repay the loan instalment.

In Delhi, metro services have been shut since March 22, the day Prime Minister Narendra Modi imposed the ''Janta Curfew''. Even though other transport services have now been allowed as part of the relaxations, metro service remains to be barred.