After the plan to engaging private companies to provide coaches, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is now set to invite private companies for operations of trains too. As per the sources, the private operations will start in Delhi Metro’s oldest line such as Red and Yellow. The Red Line connects from Rithala to Dilshad Garden and the Yellow Line provided connectivity between Huda City Centre to Samaypur Badli.
Though, the Delhi Metro Staff Council is strongly opposing the move of DMRC by saying corporation is trying to cut the job of regular employees by making privatisation of everything including trains (rolling stocks) and train operators (train drivers).
According to the sources, the Delhi Metro is planning to reduce the financial cost by engaging the private companies to run the metro operations (services). Tenders have also been floated on the official website of DMRC and around two companies have shown its interest in the plan. Delhi Metro will expand this plan on other corridors if the plan succeeds, they added.
Allaying apprehensions of the staff, Delhi Metro brass said employees should not worry about their jobs as the Metro is working in accordance with rules and regulations. The employees who are protesting or showing their apprehension should understand that they are on a permanent and regular position. “As per the rules of Delhi Metro Act 2017, also mentions the engagement of private operators for operations of metro trains. Based on that this plan has been prepared,” said a DMRC official on condition of anonymity.
However, the Delhi staff association has shown its concern towards the plan as well as it has also submitted a representation to the management. “We came to know the DMRC is planning to hire private train operators for Line 1 and 2 for which it has also floated tenders. DMRC mainly consist of executive and non-executive staff and to represent the non-executive at management, staff council is elected. Without any deliberation with the staff council, the management takes decision to replace the regular crucial safety work done by the permanent staff. Such thing will also happen in maintenance department," read the representation by the DMRC staff council.
Following this the management has called a meeting of staff council on Friday (8th February), said a member of staff council.