Metro employees’ union opposes fare hike, suggests plugging revenue leakage instead

BENGALURU: While commuters are grumbling, Metro employees themselves have opposed the recent fare hike, instead suggesting ways to reduce unnecessary expenses and increase revenue. The employees’ union has written a letter to Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) with 11 suggestions to reduce losses and increase revenue.

The letter written to the BMRCL authorities from the employees’ union claims Rs 5 crore is being wasted unnecessarily every month. The association claims that Rs 60 to Rs 70 crore can be every year saved if managed properly. The employees’ association also demanded that the fare increase be rolled back after plugging revenue leaks.

Some of the suggestions include:

Reducing repair and maintenance costs by 50 per cent.

Saving 50 per cent in allowance that is being given unscientifically.

More than 300 people above the age of 60 are getting higher salaries on contract basis. In this too, 50 per cent can be saved.

Ending contracts of inefficient employees, like those who are working without minimum educational qualifications and given important positions with high salaries.

Identifying and removing multiple appointments for a single position. For example, the HR department of the corporate office.

Cancelling contracts given in the name of annual maintenance and make permanent employees work.

The current officer for property development work should be removed, and new officer should be appointed to increase the pace of work.

Pay-and-park system should be increased in the premises of Namma Metro stations to increase revenue.

Reducing corruption in tender processes.

Reviewing promotions for contract employees as per rules because they are appointed for consolidated payout.

The union has argued that by implementing these measures, BMRCL can save around Rs 60-70 crore per year, instead of increasing fares.