In what seems like the most significant administrative step toward a statutory review and possible revision of ticket prices on these elevated corridors, the government of Maharashtra has submitted a proposal to the Centre seeking the formation of a Fare Fixation Committee (FFC) for Mumbai Metro Lines 2A (Andheri West–Dahisar) and 7 (Gundavali–Dahisar), which run parallel to the Western Express Highway.
Maharashtra Seeks Centre’s Approval to Form Fare Fixation Committee for Metro Lines 2A and 7
In the line with the Metro Railways (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2002, state cabinet approved proposal has been send to the centre, confirmed the officials. This move comes post months of internal deliberation within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), which initially forwarded the request last year. The Act mandates that any structured fare review must be conducted by an FFC.
Under Sections 33 and 34 of the Act, the central government must constitute a three-member panel comprising a serving or retired high court judge as chairperson, along with two senior bureaucrats of additional secretary rank—one nominated by the Centre and the other by the state. The committee is tasked with independently assessing the existing fare structure and, if needed, recommending revisions based on operational performance and financial data. While the MMRDA maintains that the FFC is primarily a procedural requirement, sources say that the launch of this process is widely viewed as the first concrete step toward a probable fare increase.
Mumbai Metro Lines 2A & 7 Set for First Fare Review as Ridership Falls Short and Costs Rise
Spanning a combined 35.1 km, Lines 2A and 7 began full operations in April 2022, with the aim of easing congestion in Mumbai’s western suburbs. However, weekday ridership has plateaued at around 2.65 lakh passengers, far below the projected 9 lakhs, putting a strain on revenue and MMRDA’s operational arm, the Maha Mumbai Metro Operations Corporation Ltd (MMMOCL). Fares on these lines remain among the lowest in Mumbai, at Rs 20 for distances of 3–12 km, compared with Rs 40 on Metro Lines 1 and 3.
As per the officials, the fare was intentionally kept low in order to attract commuters, but now with rising operational costs, a sustainable fare structure essential is need of the hour. Once the Centre approves, the FFC will examine ridership, operating expenses, fare benchmarks, projected deficits, and commuter affordability before submitting recommendations for state approval.
While commuters express concern over potential fare increases, urban transport planners stress that revisions are standard globally and emphasize the need for transparency and protection for low-income passengers. If constituted, this would be the first formal fare review for Lines 2A and 7 since their launch three years ago.
Summary
The Maharashtra government has sent a proposal to the Centre to form a Fare Fixation Committee (FFC) for Mumbai Metro Lines 2A and 7, marking the first formal fare review since their April 2022 launch. Ridership remains far below projections, straining revenue. The FFC will assess fares, costs, and commuter affordability, potentially recommending a revision to ensure financial sustainability.
