The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has revised passenger fares for the first time in eight years. Starting today, metro commuters will pay between ₹1 to ₹4 more per trip, while the Airport Express Line fares have gone up by as much as ₹5.
Fares on Sundays and Holidays
On Sundays and National Holidays, fares remain slightly lower. Prices start at ₹11 for up to 2 km and go up to ₹54 for trips above 32 km.
Benefits for Smart Card Users
- 10% discount on all journeys made using smart cards.
- Extra 10% rebate during off-peak hours (before 8 AM, 12 noon–5 PM, and after 9 PM).
This means regular passengers using smart cards can save significantly despite the fare increase.
Why the Fare Hike?
DMRC explained that the fare revision is necessary to:
- Meet rising operational and maintenance costs.
- Improve service quality and efficiency.
- Keep metro travel sustainable and affordable for the long term.
The last fare hike was in 2017, when the minimum fare increased from ₹8 to ₹10, and the maximum nearly doubled.
Impact on Commuters
While the increase may pinch daily travelers, experts believe that the smart card discounts and holiday concessions will help balance the impact. Moreover, the Delhi Metro continues to be one of the most affordable and reliable urban transport systems in India.
