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Mumbai, India's bustling financial capital, witnessed the inauguration of its first underground Metro corridor, the Aqua Line Phase-1, on Monday, connecting the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) to Aarey. The much-anticipated launch, commencing at 11 a.m., drew a significant number of commuters eager to experience the new line. However, initial excitement quickly gave way to concerns as the day's ridership figures fell short of projections. By 9 p.m., only 15,000 passengers had utilized the line, significantly lower than the anticipated 4 lakh commuters per day.
Several factors contributed to the underwhelming passenger turnout. While the initial public response was enthusiastic, concerns regarding accessibility, connectivity, and fare structure emerged. Some passengers encountered glitches with safety doors, although officials maintained they had not received any formal complaints. Limited entry and exit points at certain stations and the lack of a unified app for all Metro services in the city also posed challenges. Furthermore, transport activist Ajit Shenoy attributed the low patronage to insufficient connectivity with major railway stations and high fares compared to the suburban railway network. He highlighted that the current route does not pass through densely populated areas, further limiting potential ridership.
Despite these initial hiccups, the Aqua Line received positive feedback for its potential to significantly reduce commute times. Several commuters expressed their satisfaction with the smooth ride and the reduced travel duration. The MMRC has announced that regular operations on the Aqua Line will commence on Tuesday, with services running from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. from Monday to Saturday and from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Sundays. Ticket prices range from ₹10 to ₹50, and passengers can book tickets using the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), the Mumbai Metro 3 mobile app, or ticket vending machines. The MMRC remains optimistic about the Aqua Line's future success and is committed to addressing concerns raised by commuters. With the addition of this new corridor, Mumbai's public transport system is poised to undergo a significant transformation, offering a more efficient and convenient mode of transportation for its residents.
Source: Mumbai’s first underground metro corridor connecting BKC to Aarey sees 15,000 riders on day one