Mumbai Metro Fare Hike: Local Trains Still Cheaper Than Metro – Which Routes Will Be Affected

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Mumbai: Mumbai’s metro system, alongside the city’s iconic local trains, plays a vital role in the daily commute of the city’s residents. The recently launched underground metro lines have also received a good response from passengers. However, this popularity may soon be tested, as the state government is preparing to increase metro fares.

Which Metro Lines Will See a Fare Hike?
The state government has proposed the formation of a Metro Fare Determination Committee to the central government. If approved, metro fares are expected to rise in the coming months, particularly affecting the Andheri (West)–Dahisar Metro 2A and Gundavli–Dahisar Metro 7 lines. The MMRDA had submitted a proposal last August for setting up the committee, which the state government approved last month and forwarded to the central government’s Salt Pan Department. Following central approval, the committee will be formed under the supervision of a High Court judge.

Currently, fares on Metro 2A and Metro 7 range from ₹20 for 3–12 km journeys, with underground metro segments charging the highest fare of ₹40 for 8–12 km. On Metro 1, fares for 8–11.4 km journeys are also ₹40.

Why Are Fares Being Increased?
Daily ridership on MMRDA’s metro lines exceeds 3 lakh passengers, while project reports had initially projected 9 lakh passengers in the first year. This significant gap between expected and actual ridership has resulted in revenue falling short of projections, while operating expenses continue to rise, causing substantial financial losses. Additionally, fares on other metro lines in Mumbai are higher than those on MMRDA lines, creating a fare discrepancy.

To address these challenges and reduce losses, authorities are seriously considering a fare hike on Metro 2A and Metro 7 lines. Commuters may soon face higher travel costs, prompting many to reconsider their daily transport choices.