Mumbai News: MMRDA Proposes Fare Fixation Committee For Metro Lines 2A & 7 As Statutory Compliance, Clarifies No Immediate Fare Hike

Mumbai: In a move aligned with statutory provisions, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has proposed the constitution of a Fare Fixation Committee (FFC) under Section 33 and 34 (I) of the Metro Railways (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2002. This step pertains specifically to Mumbai Metro Lines 2A and 7, currently operated by Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Limited (MMMOCL).

As per the MMRDA official statement, if clarified that the proposal to constitute a Fare Fixation Committee is a statutory requirement and is not intended to suggest any immediate fare revision, but to ensure that our processes remain transparent, legally compliant, and in line with established governance frameworks. The Committee, once formed, will enable a structured and independent review mechanism as envisaged by law, reinforcing our commitment to accountable public transport administration.

This proposal, approved by the Authority, is an initiative for the compliance measure as mandated by the O&M Act. Section 34 clearly states that the Central Government may constitute a Fare Fixation Committee from time to time to recommend fare frameworks, ensuring a transparent and legally guided fare governance structure.

As per the Act, the initial fares for Metro Lines 2A and 7 were determined by the Metro Railway Administration at the time of commencement of operations, which began on 2nd April 2022.

MMRDA remains committed to operational transparency and compliance with legal frameworks. With weekday ridership touching 2.65 lakh, Metro Lines 2A and 7 play a pivotal role in the city's daily transit ecosystem.

The proposal to the Government of India seeks only the formation of this committee, which-once constituted-will review the existing structure and recommend frameworks as per statutory norms. The formation of the FFC is a required governance mechanism and does not automatically imply any fare revision or adjustment.

MMRDA continues to prioritise commuter-centric, affordable, and sustainable metro services across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region while upholding regulatory obligations in all aspects of administration and operation.

The Fare Fixation Committee shall consist of a Chairperson and two other members. A person shall not be qualified for appointment as the Chairperson unless he is or has been a Judge of High Court. The Central Government and the State Government shall nominate one member each to the Fare Fixation Committee: Provided that a person who is or has been an Additional Secretary to the Government of India or holds or has held an equivalent post in the Central Government or the State Government shall be qualified to be nominated as a member. A sitting Judge of a High Court shall be appointed after consultation with the Chief Justice of that High Court.

The proposal will be forwarded to the Government of India once its approved by Government of Maharashtra, for approval of constitute a Fare Fixation Committee for Metro Line 2A & 7.