Mumbai’s suburban railway network has been kept outside a nationwide fare revision announced by Indian Railways, offering relief to millions of daily commuters even as long-distance passenger fares rise from December 26. The decision underscores the central role of suburban rail in sustaining urban mobility and economic productivity in India’s largest metropolitan region. The fare adjustment applies primarily to mail, express and ordinary class long-distance trains, with short-distance and suburban services explicitly excluded.
Railway officials said the revision has been calibrated to balance financial sustainability with affordability, particularly for urban commuters who depend on public transport for daily travel. Under the revised structure, there is no increase in fares for ordinary class journeys up to 215 kilometres. For longer trips, ordinary non-AC passenger services will see a marginal rise of one paise per kilometre, while mail and express trains both AC and non-AC will attract an increase of two paise per kilometre. Officials noted that for most journeys between 215 km and 750 km, the additional cost would be modest, averaging around ₹5. A non-AC passenger travelling roughly 500 km would pay about ₹10 more than before.
The exemption is particularly significant for Mumbai, where more than 70 lakh passengers rely on suburban trains each day. Transport analysts argue that even a small fare increase in local services can have disproportionate effects on household budgets, especially for lower-income workers, students and those employed in the informal economy. “Affordable suburban rail is the backbone of Mumbai’s labour market,” said an urban mobility expert, adding that fare stability helps sustain workforce participation and reduces reliance on private vehicles.
Railway authorities cited rising operational and capital costs as the rationale behind the limited fare revision. Total operating expenditure for 2024–25 is estimated at ₹2.63 lakh crore, driven by network expansion, safety upgrades, higher staff costs and rolling stock maintenance. Over the past decade, Indian Railways has added nearly 3,400 km of track and significantly expanded special train services during peak travel periods to manage demand.
The last major fare hike occurred in 2013, with a marginal adjustment in 2020 that also left suburban services untouched. Officials expect the current revision to generate approximately ₹600 crore in additional revenue over four months, which will be directed towards safety improvements, infrastructure upgrades and service reliability. From an urban sustainability perspective, protecting suburban fares aligns with broader goals of encouraging mass transit use, reducing congestion and lowering transport-related emissions. For Mumbai, the decision reinforces the importance of inclusive, affordable public transport as the city grapples with rising living costs and the need for climate-resilient mobility systems.
Mumbai Local Trains Exempt As Indian Railways Hikes Long Distance Passenger Fares
