Armed with 'Metro Man' E Sreedharan's strong-worded criticism On Delhi's free ride plan, opposition seeks review

Armed with 'Metro Man' E Sreedharan's strong-worded criticism of Aam Ami Party government's plan to provide free commute to women in Delhi Metro trains, opposition Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress on Friday demanded a review of decision to implement proposed scheme.

Earlier this month, Arvind Kejriwal-government h anunced that it would make commute for women in public buses and metro trains free.

Mr Sreedharan, first managing director of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, opposed AAP government's proposed scheme, saying it would set "an alarming precedence".

Delhi BJP chief Maj Tiwari concurred with  concerns raised by Mr Sreedharan and said that Kejriwal government should pay heed to him and review its proposal.

" point raised by former Delhi Metro chief could t be igred as he has said that it will le to inefficiency and a bankrupt Delhi Metro. So, free ride proposal for women in Metro trains must be reviewed by government," he said.

Re: 'Metro Man' E Sreedharan Requests PM Modi t To Agree To Delhi Government's Free Travel Scheme For Women

Delhi Congress spokesperson Jitendra Kochar said proposal of AAP government was aimed at upcoming Assembly elections, and asked for Metro Man's view to be considered "seriously".

"My appeal to Kejriwal is that he should think over proposal orwise this will le to collapse of Delhi Metro," Mr Kochar said.

ruling AAP, however, defended free travel proposal and assured Mr Sreedharan that DMRC will t suffer any losses as Delhi government will reimburse it.

"We want to assure him that Delhi Metro will t suffer any losses since Delhi government will reimburse ncy for free rides taken by women, thus eliminating possibility of inefficiency," AAP spokesperson Saurabh Bharwaj said in a statement.

Saurabh Bhardwaj also countered Mr Sreedharan's suggestion that government should inste transfer subsidy amount directly into accounts of female travellers as complicated and impractical.