Atal Setu travel between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai has become significantly more affordable as the Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT) has slashed fares on key routes by over 50%. The revised fares, implemented last week, have already led to a sharp rise in passenger numbers, making the air-conditioned bus service a preferred option for commuters.
Fares Reduced By Over 50%
NMMT has drastically reduced the fares for its two key routes connecting Navi Mumbai to Mumbai’s Mantralaya:
- Kharghar-Mantralaya: Fare reduced from ₹270 to ₹120.
- Nerul-Mantralaya: Fare reduced from ₹230 to ₹105.
This reduction has made travel via the Atal Setu, India’s largest sea bridge, both economical and convenient, especially for daily commuters.
Increased Ridership Following Fare Cuts
The fare reductions have led to a surge in the number of passengers on these routes:
- Route 116 (Nerul to Mantralaya): Passenger numbers increased from around 20 to 60 per trip.
- Route 117 (Kharghar to Mantralaya): Ridership surged from 20–25 to approximately 70 passengers per trip.
According to an NMMT official, the initial high fares deterred commuters, leading to buses running nearly empty. The reduced fares now make the service accessible and appealing to a wider audience.
About The Atal Setu Bridge
The Atal Setu bridge, inaugurated earlier this year, has revolutionized travel between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai:
- Time-Saving Commute: The bridge offers a 20-minute journey free from the usual traffic congestion.
- Connectivity: It links Mumbai to Uran, Panvel, and further to Goa and Pune, enhancing regional connectivity.
Routes And Services Offered
NMMT operates two air-conditioned bus routes over the Atal Setu, catering to commuters traveling between Navi Mumbai and Mantralaya.
- Route 116:
- Start Point: Nerul Bus Depot (East).
- Key Stops: Kharkopar railway station, Motha Ulwe Gaon, Prabhat Heights, and Ramseth Thakur Stadium.
- Timings: Departs Nerul at 7:55 am; return trip from Mantralaya to Nerul at 6:25 pm.
- Route 117:
- Start Point: Kharghar Sector 35.
- Key Stops: Panvel Bus Terminus, Utsav Chowk, Asudgaon Depot Highway, Palaspe Phata, and Karanjade Phata.
- Timings: Departs Kharghar at 7:40 am; return trip from Mantralaya to Kharghar at 6:15 pm.
Initial Challenges And Fare Revision
When NMMT launched these routes in September during Ganeshotsav, high fares made the service unviable for most commuters. Buses often ran empty as passengers opted for cheaper but crowded and slower train services.
Shahjehan Chougule, a Taloja resident and regular commuter, remarked, “The reduced fares now make the service appealing. Earlier, it was too expensive, so many of us preferred the train, even though it was more crowded and slower.”
Benefits Of Reduced Fares
The fare cuts have transformed public perception and usage of the Atal Setu bus service:
- Affordability: The revised fares make air-conditioned bus travel more accessible to daily commuters.
- Comfort: Passengers can enjoy a convenient and less stressful journey compared to crowded trains.
- Reduced Congestion: Increased use of the bus service helps reduce road traffic, promoting sustainable urban transportation.
Impact On Public Transportation In The Region
The success of the fare reduction initiative highlights the potential for optimizing public transportation to serve commuters better:
- Increased Ridership: More passengers mean improved revenue streams for NMMT, ensuring the sustainability of the service.
- Enhanced Connectivity: The Atal Setu bridge and its associated bus services are strengthening links between Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and neighboring regions.
- Model For Future Policies: This initiative could serve as a model for other cities to make public transportation more affordable and accessible.
Looking Ahead: A Better Commute For All
The NMMT fare revision is a win-win for both commuters and the transport authority. By making Atal Setu travel affordable, NMMT has not only boosted ridership but also encouraged more people to opt for public transportation. As passenger numbers continue to rise, the initiative showcases the importance of affordability in promoting sustainable and efficient urban transport systems.
The Atal Setu bridge and its air-conditioned bus service have set a benchmark for improving regional connectivity while prioritizing commuter comfort and affordability. With this successful fare revision, the future of public transportation in the Mumbai-Navi Mumbai corridor looks promising.