Mumbai: Mumbai’s Aqua Line (Metro 3), the city’s only underground metro corridor running from Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to Aarey Colony, has seen a lukewarm response since its partial launch. Between October 7, 2024, and February 20, 2025, only 2.66 million passengers travelled on this stretch, averaging fewer than 20,000 passengers per day, far below the projected daily ridership of 400,000.
The Aqua Line, inaugurated on October 5, 2024 and opened to the public two days later, was anticipated to become a critical transportation link in Mumbai. However, the data from the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) indicates a stark gap between expectations and reality. Over 136 days, the 12.44 km stretch between Aarey and BKC recorded 29,162 trips (equivalent to 58,324 one-way services). With an average of just 91 passengers per trip or 46 per service, the metro is operating significantly under capacity.
Each eight-coach train on the Aqua Line can accommodate up to 2,500 passengers, but with only nine trains running at a frequency of 7 minutes and 30 seconds, ridership remains underwhelming. The metro operates from 6:30 am to 10:30 pm on weekdays and from 8:30 am to 10:30 pm on weekends. While the metro sees a rise in passengers during morning and evening rush hours, footfall throughout the day is sparse.
An MMRC official acknowledged the low ridership, attributing it to the partial operation of the corridor, reported Hindustan Times. However, there is optimism that the numbers will improve once the entire corridor becomes operational later this year. The Aqua Line is part of the larger 33.5 km Aarey–BKC–Cuffe Parade corridor, which is being completed in phases. The next section, extending to Acharya Atre Chowk, is expected to open in the coming months, with full completion targeted by June 2025.
Despite the low passenger turnout, the MMRC highlighted the metro’s efficiency, boasting a punctuality rate of 99.60 percent in its latest update on social media. The corridor's timely completion and enhanced connectivity could play a crucial role in boosting ridership, aligning with Mumbai's broader goal of improving public transportation and reducing road congestion.
As the city anticipates the completion of the full Aqua Line, the focus will remain on attracting more commuters to the metro, enhancing convenience and promoting the benefits of this new underground transit system.
