Delhi Elections: Arvind Kejriwal proposes 50% fare concession for students in Delhi Metro

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposing a 50 percent fare concession for students commuting in the Delhi Metro.

Kejriwal emphasized the financial burden on students, suggesting that both the Centre and the Delhi government, which jointly fund the Metro, should share the cost of the proposed concession.

"To reduce the financial burden on students, I propose to give 50 percent concession to students in Delhi Metro," the letter read.

Kejriwal also highlighted that the Delhi Metro is a 50:50 joint venture between the Delhi Government and the Central Government, so the expenses for the concession should be equally distributed between both parties. He further pointed out that Delhi's students rely heavily on the Metro for daily commuting to schools and colleges.

"I am writing this letter to draw your attention to an important matter concerning the school and college students of Delhi. The students of Delhi depend largely on the Metro to commute to their school or college," the letter read.

Additionally, Kejriwal mentioned that the Delhi government is working on plans to offer free bus travel to students, underscoring their commitment to easing the financial strain on students. "From our side, we are planning to make the bus travel completely free for the students," the letter added.

This proposal comes just ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, scheduled for February 5, with vote counting set for February 8. AAP, which has already announced candidates for all 70 seats, faces competition from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has announced candidates for 59 seats.

The Congress, which ruled Delhi for 15 years, is attempting a comeback after poor showings in the last two elections.