Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Feb 23: The much-anticipated Aqua Line (Metro 3), Mumbai’s only underground metro corridor connecting Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to Aarey Colony, has received an underwhelming response since its partial launch. Between October 7, 2024, and February 20, 2025, the metro recorded just 2.66 million passengers, averaging fewer than 20,000 commuters per day—a figure far below the projected 400,000 daily riders.
Inaugurated on October 5, 2024, and opened to the public two days later, the 12.44 km stretch was expected to be a game-changer for Mumbai’s transit system. However, data from the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) highlights a considerable gap between expectations and actual ridership. Over 136 days, the metro completed 29,162 trips (equivalent to 58,324 one-way services), but with an average of just 91 passengers per trip or 46 per service, the metro is operating well below capacity.
Each eight-coach train on the Aqua Line has a capacity of 2,500 passengers, but with only nine trains running at a 7-minute-30-second frequency, occupancy rates remain low. The metro operates between 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM on weekdays and 8:30 AM to 10:30 PM on weekends. Although peak hours see increased ridership, overall daily footfall remains sparse.
An MMRC official acknowledged the disappointing figures, attributing them to the corridor’s partial operation. However, there is optimism that ridership will increase once the entire corridor is operational. The Aqua Line is part of the broader 33.5 km Aarey–BKC–Cuffe Parade corridor, being completed in phases. The next extension to Acharya Atre Chowk is expected to open soon, with full completion targeted by June 2025.
Despite the low turnout, the MMRC remains positive about the metro’s performance, emphasizing its 99.60 percent punctuality rate. With full connectivity on the horizon, the focus now shifts to attracting more commuters, enhancing accessibility, and integrating the Aqua Line into Mumbai’s larger public transportation network to alleviate road congestion.
As the city eagerly awaits the completion of the full metro corridor, efforts to boost awareness and commuter convenience will be crucial in realizing the Aqua Line’s true potential.