Arvind Kejriwal okays free travel for women in Metro, DTC buses: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said women passengers will be allowed to travel free of cost on all Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses, cluster buses and metro trains in the national capital. Arvind Kejriwal’s declaration came after the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) poor show in the recently concluded 2019 Lok Sabha Elections in Delhi. The government is a 50 per cent equity partner in Delhi Metro along with the Centre. Kejriwal added that women, who can afford to pay, should not avail the free travel subsidy.

Delhi transport minister Kailash Gahlot had held a meeting with the senior officials of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in this regard. However, neither the DMRC nor the Centre has issued a statement over the proposed free travel plan for women. The Delhi chief minister’s decision to allow women travel on metro trains free of cost could pose a major challenge for the DMRC as it will have to shoulder the financial burden and handle the additional pressure of a sudden spurt in passengers drawn by free travel guarantee. Cluster buses may face similar issues. However, AAP leader Manish Sisodia says women in Delhi should be allowed to travel free of cost as Delhi Metro is a necessity, not a luxury, for them.