Mumbai’s new metro begins services despite ticket price fight
The long-delayed commuter railway finally launches services as its operator and city officials continue to clash over fare levels
Mumbai's metro rail, delayed since 2011 and heading for a dispute with the government over fares, has started service. Thousands crowded a station to witness Hindu priests offer blessings.
Indian billionaire Anil Ambani's Mumbai Metro One will charge a promotional 10 rupees (HK$1.30) for a one-way ticket for the first 30 days, and later increase it to as much as 40 rupees, according to its website.
But the regional government wants it to charge between 9 rupees and 13 rupees in accordance with a contract it signed, Business Standard reported , citing Maharashtra state Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan.
"This is not the time to ask such questions," Ambani said at the inauguration ceremony in Mumbai on Sunday, when asked for comments on the dispute over fares.
Ambani and his wife, Tina Ambani, a former Bollywood movie star, were part of the crowd that got on to one of the train's pink and white cars. The train was decorated with flowers and took 27 minutes to travel the12-kilometre stretch.
Before taking the escalator up to the platform, the Ambanis prayed on the station's ground floor. About 40 children sat on the carpeted floor in front of idols as two priests chanted prayers. Police officers struggled to control the rush of reporters, cameramen, passengers and children.