By Anand Mishra
Mumbai. On October 7, 2024, Mumbai celebrated a historic moment with the launch of its first underground metro, the Aqua Line 3. As the city grappled with scorching temperatures of 39 degrees Celsius and humidity levels at 73%, the cool, air-conditioned environment of the metro offered much-needed relief to commuters. From 11 am, early riders were excited to experience this milestone, with fewer passengers than expected on day one. The journey, spanning ten stations from Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) to Aarey, provided an impressive travel experience, especially at the BKC station, which lies in the heart of Mumbai’s business district. Passengers were awed by the sleek infrastructure and modern facilities.
A Social Media Moment
For many commuters, especially the younger generation, the ride wasn’t just about the metro; it was about documenting the experience. Passengers were busy taking selfies and videos to share their first-day-first-ride excitement on social media. According to MMRCL, the operator of Metro Line 3, around 8,532 tickets had been sold by 6 pm. Although the initial hours saw fewer passengers, more people joined in during the evening, especially office-goers who opted for the metro over traditional road transport.
Personal Reactions
Dinesh Jagtap, an app developer working in BKC, expressed his excitement: “I’ve been waiting for this for years. This metro is a game-changer.” Kiran Dubye, a homemaker, shared how she couldn’t resist taking a short trip from Santacruz to BKC just to experience the metro: “I’ve been following its construction for years, and now that it’s finally here, it’s fantastic. Mumbai needs more such lines.”
Impact of Aqua Line 3
The opening of Metro Line 3, or the Aqua Line, is expected to significantly reduce road traffic by 35%, potentially taking 6,50,000 vehicles off the streets. The first phase, covering a 12.69-kilometer stretch from Aarey to BKC, is part of the larger 33.5-kilometer Colaba-SEEPZ-Aarey corridor. The line will not only improve commuting options but also save approximately 3,54,000 liters of fuel annually.
Station Highlight
The Aqua Line 3 features ten stations: BKC, Bandra Colony, Santacruz, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (T1 and T2), Sahar Road, Marol Naka, Andheri, SEEPZ, and Aarey Colony. Aarey is notable for being the only ground-level station on the route. Services run between Aarey JVLR and BKC, with the last train departing at 8:30 PM on the opening day. Regular services will operate from 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM on weekdays and from 8:30 AM on Sundays.
Metro Frequency and Operations
The metro frequency has been designed to accommodate varying passenger demand. Trains will run every 6.5 minutes during peak hours and between 15 to 20 minutes during off-peak times, with 96 trips operating daily. The metro line is expected to serve up to 4 lakh passengers every day, greatly enhancing the city’s public transportation network. Notably, the metro system has employed 48 drivers, 10 of whom are women, marking a step forward in gender inclusivity.
Fare Structure and Ticketing Options
Fares on the Aqua Line are affordable, ranging from ₹10 to ₹50. Passengers can buy tickets at physical counters or via a dedicated app, ensuring a seamless commuting experience.
