Kolkata Metro is the cheapest with a maximum fare of Rs. 25. In Delhi, a distance of 9-12 km costs only Rs. 16.

The city’s much-delayed and much-awaited project — Metro Rail — might end up burning a hole in the pockets of commuters. With a fare of Rs. 40 for 10 km between Alandur and Koyambedu, Chennai Metro Rail is now the costliest in the country.

Kolkata Metro is the cheapest with a maximum fare of Rs. 25. In Delhi, a distance of 9-12 km costs only Rs. 16. Even a distance greater than 44 km will cost a person taking the Delhi Metro only Rs.30 for a one-way ride. Jaipur Metro, which began operations this month, has an introductory fare for the first six months. The highest fare is just Rs. 15.

On the Mumbai Metro, a one-way ticket between Ghatkopar and Versova – a distance of 12.5 kms — costs Rs. 40, while a return ticket is Rs. 60. In Bengaluru, a one-way ticket costs Rs. 17 on the operational line between Bayappanhalli and M.G. Road.

Let us assume that a person working in Alandur and living near Koyambedu, takes the Metro daily, 5 days a week. On an average, it’s 22 days a month. This means, she will be spending Rs. 80 per day to travel on the metro. Add to that a cost of Rs. 10 to park her bike at the parking lot per day. For 22 days a month, she will be spending Rs. 1,980 to travel on the Metro.

However, if she were to travel with 2-3 family members or friends on this route, a taxi or an auto is going to be cheaper, which defeats the whole purpose of a mass transportation utility like the metro rail. No doubt she will save time and may be free of dust and pollution on the roads.

On the suburban route, a ticket between Chennai Beach and Guindy costs just Rs. 5. On the MRTS, between Velachery and Chennai Beach — a distance of 19 km — the fare is Rs.10.

It is possible that Chennai Metro Rail will end up remaining outside the purview of the lower middle class and workers in the unorganised sector.

Metro Rail sources said much of the network runs underground in the city, unlike other centres, as a result of which the charges on air conditioning and electricity charges will be much higher. Hence, the rates.