BMRCL Union urges cost-cutting measures to avoid fare hike
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) Employees' Union has appealed to the management to focus on reducing unnecessary expenses instead of increasing metro fares. In a letter to the BMRCL Managing Director, the union highlighted several ways to enhance financial sustainability without burdening commuters.
The letter emphasized that maintenance and repair costs could be cut by 50%, potentially saving ₹2 crore each month. The union noted that over 300 retired officials, all above the age of 60, had been rehired on contracts across various departments with high salaries. It argued that more than half of these positions were unnecessary and could be eliminated to reduce expenses.
The union also pointed out the reliance on contract-based workers for essential tasks, suggesting that scrapping the Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) system and directly hiring permanent staff would be more cost-effective. Additionally, it criticized the practice of assigning two people to a single role in corporate departments like Human Resources, recommending a single appointment per role.
To reduce power expenses, the union proposed installing solar panels on metro station rooftops. It further urged the management to expand parking facilities and expedite asset development to boost revenue.
A serious allegation was made regarding corruption and mismanagement, with claims that tenders were being unlawfully awarded to specific individuals, causing financial losses.
The union called on the management to take immediate steps to address these issues and adopt sustainable measures rather than passing the financial burden onto metro users through fare hikes.
Key Problem Areas:
1. High Maintenance Costs
2. Rehiring Retired Officials
3. Excessive Contract-Based Hiring
4. Redundant Staffing in Corporate Offices
Cost-Saving Recommendations:
· Solar Power Installation
· Parking Expansion
· Asset Development Acceleration
· Anti-Corruption Measures
