Mon Aug 25 19:15:50 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text, focused on the Delhi Metro fare hike:

**News Article:**

**Delhi Metro Hikes Fares Citing Operational Costs, COVID Losses**

**NEW DELHI, August 26, 2025** – The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced a hike in fares effective today, citing rising operational expenses and significant losses incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The fare increase, ranging from ₹1 to ₹4 depending on the distance traveled, will also apply on Sundays and national holidays. Fares for the Airport Express Line have also seen an increase, up to ₹5.

According to a DMRC statement, the fare revision is necessary to address a loss of ₹1,781.69 crore in 2023-24 and projected losses of around ₹1,598 crore for the 2025-26 fiscal. DMRC officials explained that the decision also factors in repayment commitments to the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the need for midlife refurbishment of trains, infrastructure upkeep, and employee salaries.

The last fare revision was eight years ago. Under the new structure, the minimum fare for distances up to 2 km rises from ₹10 to ₹11, while the maximum fare for distances exceeding 32 km increases from ₹60 to ₹64. Adjustments have also been made for intermediate distances. For example, travel between 12 and 21 km will now cost ₹43, up from ₹40.

Sunday and holiday fares have also been revised, with journeys exceeding 32 km now costing ₹54 instead of ₹50, and travel within the 12-21 km range increasing from ₹30 to ₹32.

The DMRC maintains that the hike is “minimal” and essential to ensure the continued smooth operation and maintenance of the city’s vital public transportation system.

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