The across-the-board fare hike announced by the railway ministry has come after a decade. Suburban train fare increase to become operational from January 21. Actually local train travel has already become more expensive since New Year’s Day.
Railway authorities claim the January 1 upgrade wasn’t a fare hike, rather raised surcharge for repayment of loan taken for the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP). “We are increasing the fare after almost 10 years. The earlier announcement was done so no need arises for borrowing for works and projects,” said Subodh Jain, General Manager, Central Railway (CR). However, that’s a small solace for commuters, and even some railway officials appeared flummoxed by the timing.
“This announcement two months ahead of the railway budget was unexpected,” said a senior official from CR. From January 21, suburban passengers will be charged 2 paise more per km, and non- suburban travellers will have to bear an increase of 4 paise per km. So, commuters in the habit of purchasing monthly passes will have to shell out more.
Suburban Fares for 2nd class ticket
- Churchgate (CCG) to Mumbai Central is 5 KM which was charged earlier Rs.4 will be Rs. 5
- CCG to Dadar (11KM) was Rs.8 will be Rs. 10
- CCG to Bandra (15KM) was Rs. 8 will become Rs. 10
- CCG to Andheri (22KM) was Rs. 10 will remain as Rs. 10
- CCG to Borivli (34 KM) was Rs. 11 will be Rs. 10
- CCG to Virar (60 KM) was Rs. 16 will be Rs. 15
Suburban Fare for 2nd class Season Ticket / Monthly Pass
- Churchgate (CCG) to Mumbai Central (5 KM) was Rs. 70 will be Rs. 75
- CCG to Dadar (11KM) was Rs. 115 will be Rs. 120
- CCG to Bandra (15KM) was Rs.115 will be Rs. 120
- CCG to Andheri (22KM) was Rs. 145 will be Rs. 155
- CCG to Borivali (34 KM) was Rs. 160 will be Rs. 170
- CCG to Virar (60 KM) was Rs. 250 will be Rs. 270