Opposition walks out protesting against BEST fare hike

Mumbai, Jul 10 (UNI) The opposition in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), led by Raj Hans Singh, today staged a walk out, protesting the hike in Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus fares.

The proposal for fare hike came up for discussion today.

Earlier, the BEST committee had passed the hike proposal at its meeting last month.

Singh said ''the hike is totally uncalled for and we are totally against it''. The hike would come into effect after BMC approves it.

BEST administration had recently restructured the fares, which envisages higher fares for long journeys. However, at the same time the undertaking has brought down minimum fare from Rs 4 to Rs 3.

Defending the new fares, Uttam Khobragade, BEST General Manager said ''the fares have not been hiked but have only been restructured, as we have reduced the minimum fares.'' When asked about the opposition's protest over the restructuring of fares, Khobragade replied, ''it is their right.'' Samajwadi Party corporator Mohsin Haider said, ''we walked out because, BEST is a service providing company and the undertaking should not bother about profits. Moreover, the fare increase was not needed as the BEST is not facing any losses.'' UNI