Mumbai’s Local Trains Lead in Cost and Speed

Mumbai’s suburban railway network has emerged as a global leader in cost-effectiveness and speed, according to a recent study by the Central Railway’s public relations department. The study highlights that local trains in Mumbai offer unparalleled affordability and efficiency, with ticket prices and operational speeds that set them apart from other modes of transport worldwide.

The analysis reveals that a second-class ticket on Mumbai’s local trains costs just 11 paise per kilometre. First-class tickets are priced at Rs 1.25 per kilometre, while air-conditioned (AC) local trains cost Rs 1.40 per kilometre. This cost structure positions Mumbai’s local trains as the most economical in the world, considering the service quality. The trains operate at an average speed of 45 km/h, providing a swift travel option for daily commuters. Monthly passes further enhance the affordability of this transit option. For a typical 25-day journey, second-class monthly pass holders pay approximately 13 paise per kilometre, first-class pass holders 44 paise per kilometre, and AC local pass holders 1.06 paise per kilometre. Over a 30-day period, these costs are reduced to 11 paise, 37 paise, and 88 paise per kilometre, respectively.

This stark contrast in cost efficiency is significant when compared to other transportation options, such as BEST buses, which charge an average of Rs 5 for every 2.5 km, and autos and taxis, which cost Rs 15.5 and Rs 18.6 per kilometre, respectively. Despite its cost-effectiveness, the local train network is not without challenges. Officials note that the tightly packed schedule means any minor disruption, such as an alarm chain pull, can cascade delays across the timetable, impacting subsequent services. However, the rigorous monitoring of train schedules means that delays are often highlighted, unlike in other modes of transport where delays might go unnoticed.

To address these challenges and enhance service quality, substantial investments are underway. The Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) initiatives, including MUTP-II, MUTP-III, and MUTP-IIIA, involve substantial funding—Rs 8,087 crore, Rs 10,947 crore, and Rs 33,690 crore respectively—to alleviate congestion and meet growing passenger demands. These projects are at various stages of construction and are expected to significantly improve the network’s capacity and efficiency. Public policy expert emphasizes that while Mumbai’s local trains are subsidised to keep fares low, ensuring continued affordability and effectiveness requires robust government funding. Urban planner Pranav Naik points out that improving last-mile connectivity could further enhance the network’s efficiency.