Delhi Metro commuters will now have to spend a little more on travel. Starting Monday, August 25, 2025, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has increased fares. But don’t worry—it’s a modest hike, ranging from ₹1 to ₹4, with up to ₹5 on the Airport Express Line.
Delhi Metro Fare Hike After 8 Years: Commuters to Pay ₹1–₹5 More From August 25
New Delhi, August 25, 2025 – Travelling on the Delhi Metro just got slightly costlier. Starting Monday, August 25, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has revised its fare structure, marking the first hike in eight years.
According to DMRC officials, the increase is modest and designed to balance operational costs while keeping passenger affordability in mind. Fares have been raised by ₹1 to ₹4 across different routes, while on the Airport Express Line, commuters will see a hike of up to ₹5.
Why the Fare Hike Now?
The last fare revision took place in 2017. Since then, the Metro network has expanded significantly, with higher energy, maintenance, and infrastructure costs. Officials explained that this incremental hike was essential to maintain smooth services without burdening passengers heavily.
A DMRC spokesperson said, “The fare adjustment has been kept minimal to ensure affordability for daily commuters while enabling DMRC to manage rising operational costs and maintain world-class infrastructure.”
New Fare Structure
Regular metro routes: ₹1 to ₹4 increase, depending on distance travelled.
Airport Express Line: up to ₹5 increase.
For example, a journey that previously cost ₹30 may now cost ₹31–₹34, depending on the distance bracket.
Impact on Commuters
Delhi Metro is the lifeline of the capital, carrying over 6.5 million passengers daily. For most commuters, the fare adjustment will not significantly affect daily expenses, but for frequent travelers and long-distance passengers, the cumulative cost over a month may be more noticeable.
Many passengers expressed mixed reactions. While some welcomed the minimal hike as “reasonable after eight years,” others pointed out that additional travel expenses could pinch their monthly budgets.
Balancing Costs and Service Expansion
The fare revision comes at a time when DMRC is expanding its network to new corridors and modernizing services with improved safety, digital ticketing, and energy-efficient trains.
Transport experts note that the modest fare hike could help DMRC maintain financial stability without compromising service quality.
Conclusion
While Delhi Metro commuters will now need to shell out a few extra rupees per ride, the increase remains modest compared to the long gap since the last revision. For most passengers, the Metro continues to be one of the most affordable, efficient, and eco-friendly means of transport in the National Capital Region.
FAQ: Delhi Metro Fare Hike – August 2025
1. When did the Delhi Metro fare hike come into effect?
The revised fare structure came into effect on Monday, August 25, 2025.
2. How much has the Delhi Metro fare increased?
Regular Metro routes: Fares have gone up by ₹1 to ₹4, depending on the distance.
Airport Express Line: Fares have increased by up to ₹5.
3. When was the last Delhi Metro fare hike before this?
The last fare revision took place in 2017, making this the first increase in eight years.
4. Why has DMRC increased fares now?
DMRC cited rising operational costs such as energy, maintenance, and infrastructure expansion. Officials emphasized that the hike was minimal to ensure affordability while maintaining high-quality services.
5. How will this impact daily commuters?
For most commuters, the impact will be minimal, with only a few extra rupees added per journey. However, for frequent and long-distance travelers, the cumulative monthly cost may be more noticeable.
6. Can you give an example of the new fare calculation?
Yes. For example, a journey that previously cost ₹30 will now cost around ₹31–₹34, depending on the distance traveled.
7. How many people use the Delhi Metro daily?
The Delhi Metro is the lifeline of the capital, carrying over 6.5 million passengers daily.
8. What measures is DMRC taking alongside the fare hike?
DMRC is working on:
Expanding its network to new corridors.
Introducing digital ticketing and smart mobility solutions.
Improving safety and energy efficiency.
9. What is the public reaction to the fare hike?
Reactions are mixed. Some commuters consider it reasonable after eight years, while others feel it adds extra burden to their monthly expenses.
10. Is the Delhi Metro still affordable compared to other transport options?
Yes. Despite the small hike, Delhi Metro remains one of the most affordable, efficient, and eco-friendly transport systems in the National Capital Region.
11. What is the minimum fare on Delhi Metro after the hike?
The minimum fare has gone up slightly, starting at ₹11 instead of ₹10 on short-distance routes.
12. What is the maximum fare on Delhi Metro now?
The maximum fare on longer routes has increased by up to ₹4, meaning some journeys may now cost ₹61–₹64 compared to the earlier ₹60.
13. How much did fares increase on the Airport Express Line?
On the Airport Express Line, fares have increased by ₹5, making the premium service slightly costlier for passengers traveling to and from IGI Airport.
14. Will metro card users get any benefit despite the fare hike?
Yes. Smart Card users still enjoy a 10% discount on every journey, which helps offset the fare increase for regular commuters.
15. Are student passes or concession schemes affected?
No. Existing student discounts, senior citizen benefits, and special concessions remain unchanged.
16. Does the fare hike affect interchange stations?
The fare increase applies to the total journey cost, regardless of the number of interchanges. It is distance-based, not interchange-based.
17. Will the hike affect metro feeder bus fares?
No. The fare hike is only applicable to metro train journeys. Feeder bus fares remain the same.
18. How often does DMRC usually revise fares?
Fare revisions are not frequent. The last one was in 2017, and the current hike came after eight years.
19. How does Delhi Metro compare with other Indian metro systems after this hike?
Even after the revision, Delhi Metro fares remain comparable or lower than metros in cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, especially for longer journeys.
20. How does DMRC justify the timing of this hike?
Officials explained that rising costs of electricity, manpower, and infrastructure maintenance left little choice but to raise fares, while still keeping the hike modest to avoid burdening commuters.
21. Will this fare hike affect tourist travelers?
Yes, slightly. Tourists visiting Delhi and NCR will pay ₹1–₹5 more per ride, but the Metro remains cheaper than taxis and app-based cabs.
22. How is DMRC ensuring commuters still find value despite the hike?
By expanding metro routes, introducing faster ticketing systems, and maintaining clean, safe, and reliable transport, DMRC ensures commuters get maximum value for money.
23. Is there a possibility of another fare hike soon?
DMRC has not announced any further revision. Officials stressed that fare hikes are rare and only considered when absolutely necessary.
24. Will this hike affect Delhi NCR connectivity (Noida, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Ghaziabad)?
Yes. Since NCR lines are part of the network, the revised fare applies across all routes, including Noida, Gurgaon, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad metro corridors.
25. What alternatives do commuters have if they want to save costs?
Commuters can:
Use Metro Smart Cards for discounts.
Opt for monthly passes if traveling regularly.
Combine Metro + Feeder buses for cost efficiency.
26. When was the last Delhi Metro fare hike before 2025?
The last fare revision happened in 2017, making this the first hike in eight years.
27. How much does Delhi Metro earn from passenger fares?
Passenger fares make up about 60–65% of DMRC’s revenue, with the rest coming from property rentals, advertisements, and other commercial activities.
28. What is the daily ridership of Delhi Metro?
Delhi Metro carries over 6.5 million passengers every day, making it the largest metro network in India.
29. Does the fare hike apply to children?
Children below 90 cm in height travel free, and this rule remains unchanged. Regular fares apply to children above that height.
30. How does this fare hike impact monthly commuters?
For daily commuters, the monthly expense may rise by ₹100–₹200, depending on distance and frequency of travel.
31. Will metro cards need to be updated for the new fares?
No. The fare adjustment is automatic and updated in the DMRC system. Passengers don’t need to make any changes to their smart cards.
32. Are there new ticketing technologies being introduced along with the fare hike?
Yes. DMRC is upgrading to QR-based ticketing, mobile apps, and UPI payments, reducing dependence on physical tokens.
33. Do other Indian metros follow a similar fare hike pattern?
Yes. Cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad also revise fares periodically to cover operational costs, often in smaller increments.
34. Is the fare hike permanent or temporary?
The fare revision is permanent. DMRC does not roll back hikes once implemented.
35. Does this hike make Delhi Metro unaffordable for low-income groups?
Officials say the hike is minimal and designed to remain affordable. Plus, Metro still offers cheaper and faster travel than cabs or autos for long distances.
36. How does the fare hike impact Airport Express Line travelers?
Airport commuters will now pay ₹5 extra, but considering the speed and convenience of reaching IGI Airport in under 20 minutes, the line remains popular.
37. Will DMRC offer more passes to offset rising costs?
Yes, DMRC is considering introducing flexi-passes and digital travel passes in the future for regular users to save on fares.
38. What are experts saying about this fare hike?
Transport experts believe this small, incremental hike will help DMRC cover rising costs without significantly hurting ridership.
39. How do commuters feel about the fare hike?
Reactions are mixed: some commuters say a ₹1–₹4 hike after 8 years is reasonable, while others feel every rupee counts in daily travel expenses.
40. Will the fare hike improve services?
DMRC officials confirmed that the hike will support better maintenance, new trains, network expansion, and energy-efficient upgrades.
41. What is the minimum fare in Delhi Metro after the hike?
The minimum fare is now ₹11, up from ₹10 earlier.
42. What is the maximum fare in Delhi Metro after the hike?
The maximum fare is ₹61, compared to ₹57 earlier, depending on the distance traveled.
43. What is the new fare on the Airport Express Line?
The Airport Express Line now costs between ₹12 and ₹65, with hikes up to ₹5.
44. Will metro passes automatically reflect the new fares?
Yes. Whether it’s a monthly pass, student pass, or tourist card, the new rates are automatically updated.
45. Are metro tourist cards affected by the hike?
Yes. Tourist cards (one-day and three-day) have been slightly revised to align with the new fare structure.
46. How does Delhi Metro compare to bus fares after the hike?
Buses are cheaper for short distances, but Metro remains faster and more economical for long commutes.
47. How many stations does Delhi Metro cover after the hike?
As of August 2025, DMRC operates over 390 stations across multiple corridors in NCR.
48. Will Metro staff salaries increase with this fare hike?
Not directly. However, the additional revenue helps cover operational costs, staff expenses, and maintenance.
49. Can passengers still use tokens?
Yes. Tokens are still available at counters, though DMRC is encouraging smart cards and QR tickets.
50. Does the fare hike apply on feeder buses?
No. Delhi Metro feeder buses have separate fares and are not included in this revision.
51. Will senior citizens get any special discount?
Currently, there is no special discount for senior citizens on Metro fares.
52. Will the hike affect interchange stations?
Yes, since fares depend on total distance, interchange journeys will also see a ₹1–₹4 increase.
53. Is there any late-night surcharge in Delhi Metro?
No. Unlike some global metro systems, DMRC charges uniform fares regardless of time of travel.
54. What percentage of DMRC’s revenue comes from advertising vs. fares?
Around 35–40% of revenue comes from non-fare sources such as advertising, property rentals, and real estate projects.
55. How does this fare compare with metros abroad?
Even after the hike, Delhi Metro fares are lower than most global metro systems, especially when compared to cities like London, Tokyo, or New York.
56. Will metro fares be revised every year now?
DMRC has not committed to annual hikes, but future fare revisions may happen sooner than 8 years, depending on inflation and costs.
57. Are Metro cards still cheaper than tokens after the hike?
Yes. Smart cards still offer a 10% discount on every journey.
58. How much does Delhi Metro spend annually on electricity?
DMRC spends over ₹1,200 crore annually on electricity, one of the main reasons cited for fare adjustments.
59. How does the fare hike impact students?
Students who travel daily may see a monthly rise of ₹150–₹250 in expenses, depending on their routes.
60. Will metro fares increase again soon?
Officials have not announced any immediate future hike, but revisions may happen every 3–5 years instead of 8 years.
