- By Deeksha Gour
- Sat, 15 Nov 2025 10:18 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Mumbai Metro: The Maharashtra government has formally sent a proposal to the Centre requesting the creation of a Fare Fixation Committee (FFC) for Mumbai Metro Lines 2A (Andheri West–Dahisar) and 7 (Gundavali–Dahisar). The move is being seen as the first major administrative step towards a statutory review of ticket prices on the two elevated corridors, both of which run along the Western Express Highway.
The Indian Express report cited officials as confirming that the proposal, cleared by the state Cabinet last month, has now reached the Centre for approval under the Metro Railways (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2002. The request follows prolonged discussions within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), which had first pushed the idea of forming an FFC last year. As per the Act, no formal revision of metro fares can take place without the committee’s assessment.
Under Sections 33 and 34 of the Act, the Centre must appoint a three-member panel that includes a sitting or retired high court judge as chairperson, along with two senior officials at the additional secretary level — one nominated by the state and the other by the Centre. The FFC will review the current fare system, evaluate operational costs, and recommend changes if required.
Metro Lines 2A and 7 began full operations in April 2022. Initially projected to attract around 9 lakh weekday passengers, ridership has stabilised at roughly 2.65 lakh, much lower than expected. The gap has put financial pressure on the MMRDA’s operating arm, the Maha Mumbai Metro Operations Corporation Ltd (MMMOCL). Officials said operational expenses, including staff salaries, energy charges, and system maintenance, remain higher than the income generated through fares.
The comparatively lower ticket rates on Lines 2A and 7 have also added to the strain. Passengers currently pay Rs 20 for trips between 3 km and 12 km, which is significantly cheaper than similar distance bands on Lines 1 and 3, where fares start at Rs 40.
Once the Centre approves the proposal, the FFC will begin reviewing ridership trends, operating costs, fare structures on other metro networks, and commuter affordability before submitting its recommendations. Any proposed revision will require approval from the state government.
If formed, this will be the first official fare review for Lines 2A and 7 since their launch nearly three years ago.