The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has submitted a proposal to increase ticket prices. If approved by the Maharashtra government, this will be the second fare hike since the monorail started operations in 2014.
Mumbai Monorail, the only system of its kind in India, operates on the 19.54-km route between Chembur and Sant Gadge Maharaj Chowk (Jacob Circle).
According to the proposal, the minimum fare for travel up to 3 km could increase from Rs 5 to Rs 10. For longer distances, fares may range from Rs 20 to Rs 70 depending on the distance travelled.
Officials said the revised fare structure would bring monorail ticket prices closer to those of the Mumbai Metro network.
When services began in 2014, fares ranged from Rs 5 to Rs 19 depending on distance. In 2018, the fare structure was revised, with ticket prices ranging from Rs 10 to Rs 40. The latest proposal would further increase fares across all distance slabs.
Authorities said the increase has become necessary due to higher operating expenses and the cost of purchasing new train sets from Hyderabad-based Medha Servo Drives.
The monorail service was suspended in September 2025 following technical issues that led to a fatal incident. Since then, several upgrades have been carried out across the network.
The improvement work included the introduction of new trains, installation of modern Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling systems and track repairs aimed at improving safety and reliability.
Officials said the final major safety clearance was recently received from former Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety P. S. Baghel. However, the project is still awaiting final approval from the Maharashtra government before passenger services can restart.
According to officials, the proposal to resume operations is currently under review by the state’s Urban Development Department.
Over the years, the monorail project has often faced criticism for its low ridership and financial losses. Data shows that the network recorded losses of Rs 460.26 crore during 2025-26. The loss stood at Rs 476.76 crore in 2024-25 and Rs 57.26 crore in 2023-24.
Officials attributed much of the recent increase in losses to the capital expenditure incurred for procuring new trains and upgrading infrastructure.
Before services were suspended, the monorail carried around 18,000 passengers daily. During the 2025 monsoon season, daily ridership had increased to nearly 20,000 passengers.
With safety upgrades completed and approvals in the final stages, Mumbai commuters may soon see the monorail back in service, although likely at a higher fare.
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