By Apurva Bhatt
MMRDA paid Rs75.96 lakh to Maharashtra State Security Corp as charges for security at its seven stations, depots as well as the Mono Rails, reveals an RTI reply received by activist Anil Galgali
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is spending about Rs76 lakh every month towards the security of Mono Rail, its seven stations and depots, reveals a reply received under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. There are average 14,282 commuters, who daily use Mono Rail services.
According to a reply received by RTI activist Anil Galgali, the MMRDA paid Rs75.96 lakh to Maharashtra State Security Corp as charges for security at its seven stations, depots as well as the Mono Rails.
Galgali, in a letter to Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, requested for relaxation on the security expense collected by the government. "This will lighten the burden of MMRDA and in a way can make Mono Rail project a bit viable. It is a public transport now. It would be easier for the MMRDA if the government stops collecting these huge amounts per month just for providing security to stations and depots. I have also requested the CM in my letter to stop the overflow of people sent in by the Government for this specific purpose as security should be provided only as per the requirements," the RTI activist said.
In another query, the MMRDA said during February 2014 to March 2015, the Mono Rail was used by nearly 60 lakh commuters, generating revenues of Rs4.89 crore from ticket sales. One round trip costs MMRDA a sum of Rs3,131 per trip and not more than 131 trips are done daily between Chembur and Wadala Depot. The second portion of the remaining work on Mono Rail between Wadala Depot and Jacob Circle is 81% complete and will be ready by December 2015.
MMRDA was the system administrator for the monorail project, while Larsen and Toubro (L&T) along with Malaysian Scomi Engineering BHD were awarded the contract to build and operate the Mono Rail until 2029.
