The DMRC intends to impose a special cess on petrol and diesel to raise money for expanding the Metro rail network in Delhi ahead of Commonwealth Games 2010.

The Delhi Government and Central Urban Development Ministry has reportedly accepted a proposal by the DMRC which will make consumers pay an extra Rs two and Re one per ltrs on petrol and diesel, respectively, from June 2009. The proposed cess is likely to be implemented once the new government takes charge.

The Metro rail’s Phase III construction in the national capital region (NCR) entails 100 km of track development at an estimated cost of Rs 15,000 crore.

However, pump owners in Delhi, who have already lost about 30 per cent diesel sales to neighbouring Haryana due to differences in state taxes, fear further loss if retail prices of petrol and diesel prices in Delhi rise more.

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DMRC completes 1.775 km underground tunnel (23-Apr-09)