Why Did Delhi Metro Hike Fares? DMRC Explains the Big Reason
National Desk: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced on Monday (August 25, 2025) that metro fares have been revised. The new fare structure has been implemented based on the travel distance. According to DMRC, fares had not been revised for the past eight years, which had increased the financial burden, making a hike unavoidable.
Why Were the Fares Increased?
DMRC cited several key reasons behind the fare hike:
- Impact of COVID-19: Passenger numbers had dropped drastically during the pandemic, severely affecting revenue.
- Loan Repayments: The Metro still has to repay loans taken from the Japanese agency JICA, with installments ongoing.
- Repair of Old Trains: Trains that are 15–20 years old require periodic maintenance and overhauls.
- Network Maintenance: Tracks, stations, and machinery involve heavy annual expenditure for upkeep.
- Employee Salaries: The wages of thousands of employees also add to operational costs.
New Fare Structure (Effective from August 25)
- 0 to 2 km → ₹11 (earlier ₹10)
- 2 to 5 km → ₹21 (earlier ₹20)
- 5 to 12 km → ₹32 (earlier ₹30)
- 12 to 21 km → ₹43 (earlier ₹40)
- 21 to 32 km → ₹54 (earlier ₹50)
- More than 32 km → ₹64 (earlier ₹60)
Effect on Airport Line
DMRC also confirmed that fares on the Airport Express Line have been increased by up to ₹5.
DMRC’s Statement
DMRC clarified that the hike has been kept minimal. The aim is to continue providing affordable and accessible public transport, while also balancing the rising costs of operations and maintenance.
