MMRDA monthly spends Rs 76 lakhs on Mono Rail's Security

In a shocking revelation by the MMRDA to RTI activist Anil Galgali, a whopping sum of Rs, 76 lakhs is spent on just the security of India's first Mono Rail its stations and depots that are operational since February 2014. MMRDA in reply to the RTI have confirmed that on an average 14,282 passengers are using the services daily. A query raised by RTI Activists Anil Galgali was replied by the Deputy Engineer cum public Information Officer of Mono Rail. Monorail first began its operation on the 2nd February 2014. In all, a total sum of Rs 2716 crores was drawn as an planned expense out of which Rs 2290 is already spent by MMRDA. M/s Skomi Engineering BHD a Malaysia Group (LTSE) and M/s Larsen and Tubro are the beneficiaries of this amount spent by the MMRDA. An exact amount of Rs 75,96,077/- is been spent only on the Security of the 7 stations and depots of Monorail work of which is been awarded to Maharashtra State Security Corporation. Anil Galgali also ask the information about number of passenger and total collection. MMRDA informed that from a period of February 2014 to March 2015 i.e. In 14 months in all 59,98,069/- passengers have used the services of Mono Rail and Rs 4,88,46,969/- is the revenue generated in form of sale of tickets. One round trip costs MMRDA a sum of Rs 3131 per trip and not more than 131 trips are done daily. The second portion of the remaining work of Mono Rail is 81% complete and will be ready by December 2015. In a letter written to the CM Devendra Fadnavis, Anil Galgali has asked for relaxation on the security expense collected by the Government ex-chequer. This will lighten the burden of MMRDA and in a way can make Mono Rail project a bit viable. "It is a public transport now. It would be easier for the MMRDA if the government stops collecting these huge amounts per month just for providing security to stations and depots. I have also requested the CM in my letter to stop the overflow of people sent in by the Government for this specific purpose as security should be provided only as per the requirements." Concluded Galgali.