Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT) has made commuting between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai more affordable by reducing fares on the Atal Setu bridge routes by over 50%. This move has already seen a significant increase in passenger numbers, benefiting travelers on the Kharghar-Mantralaya and Nerul-Mantralaya routes.
Impact of Fare Reduction
The fare for the Kharghar-Mantralaya route has been slashed from ₹270 to ₹120, while the Nerul-Mantralaya fare has dropped from ₹230 to ₹105. An NMMT official reported a notable rise in passenger numbers since the fare reduction. For route 116, passenger count has increased from around 20 to 60, and for route 117, it has surged from 20–25 to approximately 70.
Background and Route Details
NMMT introduced routes 116 and 117 last September to connect Navi Mumbai and Mantralaya. These routes operate Monday through Saturday, providing faster travel times between the two cities. Route 116 runs from Nerul bus terminus (East) to Mantralaya via Kharkopar railway station in Ulwe, while route 117 begins at Jal Vayu Vihar in Kharghar and travels to Mantralaya via Panvel.
Public Response and Commuter Experience
Despite the convenience of the service, high initial fares deterred commuters, leading to buses running nearly empty. With the fare reduction, regular commuters like Shahjehan Chougule from Taloja are finding the service more appealing. Chougule mentioned that the previous high fares made the bus service too expensive, causing many commuters to opt for crowded and slower train services.
The reduced fares have made travel on the Atal Setu bridge more accessible to a wider range of passengers, improving connectivity between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
As you plan your next trip between the two cities, consider taking advantage of the reduced fares on NMMT buses for a more affordable and efficient journey.
