Explainer News

Easy breakdowns of complex metro topics — fares, interchanges, and how it all works.

• How metro fares are calculated in India

  Most Indian metro systems use distance-based fare slabs — the further you travel, the more you pay, up to a fixed cap. Smart cards and NCMC cards usually get a discount over paper QR tickets.

• What is a metro interchange station?

  An interchange station connects two or more metro lines, letting you switch trains without leaving the paid area. Rajiv Chowk (Delhi) and Ameerpet (Hyderabad) are examples of major interchanges.

• Why do some metro lines run on elevated viaducts?

  Elevated sections are faster and cheaper to build than underground tunnels, especially outside dense city centres. Underground sections are typically reserved for congested downtown areas.

• How does live train tracking work?

  Live tracking estimates a train's position using station dwell times and average line speed between reported checkpoints, then updates your ETA as your journey progresses.