Since 2003, 109 workers have died on the construction sites of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).

DMRC gave this figure in an affidavit submitted in the Delhi Court on Wednesday. The Court was hearing a public interest litigation filed People’s Union for Democratic Rights (PUDR), a civil society organization.

This is the first occasion when DMCR has provided the exact figures of accidents at its construction sites.

Acting on the PIL, Delhi government’s labour department earlier gave a figure of 45 deaths on various Commonwealth Games sites.

“It suggests that there is no transparency or concern between departments and agencies on matters regarding workers’ welfare,” said Mushami Basu, secretary, PUDR.

DMRC also gave the data on the amount of compensation it paid to these workers. According to the data, the agency has given compensation to workers ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 9 lakh. However, DMRC has not provided to Court the criteria of deciding the compensation amount.

“This calls for further investigation, and a more comprehensive listing from other agencies of accidents at different worksites” said Basu.