Mumbai's First Underground Metro Corridor Launches Amid Low Inaugural Ridership

Mumbai's first underground Metro line, the Aqua Line Phase-1, began operations on Monday. The route runs from Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) to Aarey. Many people came to experience the new service, which started at 11 am. However, by 9 pm, only 15,000 passengers had used the Metro. This figure is much lower than the expected 4 lakh daily commuters.

Vaidehi More, a spokesperson for Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC), reported that 8,532 passengers travelled on the Aqua Line by 6 pm. Despite this low turnout, More did not provide reasons for the underwhelming numbers. Some Mumbaikars were eager to try the new service, hoping it would ease their travel woes.

Passenger Feedback and Concerns

Several passengers faced issues on the first day. Some reported problems with safety doors and closed entry-exit points at certain stations. Others highlighted glitches in ticket vending machines. Transport activist Ajit Shenoy suggested that poor connectivity to railway stations might have deterred commuters.

Shenoy noted that the current route doesn't pass through densely populated areas. He also mentioned that Metro fares are higher compared to suburban trains and lack last-mile connectivity. This could be a reason for the low ridership on the inaugural day.

Commuter Experiences and Suggestions

Ankush Nevre, who works in Andheri MIDC, found the new service beneficial for reaching BKC. Nevre boarded the first train at 11:10 am and appreciated the service but suggested more signage for better access. Meanwhile, Jyoti Trilok, working at Sahar Cargo Complex, pointed out the need for more entry and exit points at CSMIA T2 station.

Some passengers expressed dissatisfaction over multiple apps required for different Metro services in Mumbai. They called for a single integrated app to simplify ticket booking and journey planning. "Mumbaikars can't have 14 apps when all lines are live," said X user J Vidyasagar.

Operational Details and Future Plans

The MMRC has announced regular operations of the Aqua Line will start from Tuesday. Services will run from 6:30 am to 10:30 pm on weekdays and from 8:30 am to 10:30 pm on Sundays. The fare ranges from Rs 10 to Rs 50. Tickets can be purchased using various methods including the NCMC card and mobile app.

The corridor features ten stations between BKC and Aarey Road, with only Aarey JVLR station above ground. The MMRC estimates a daily ridership of 4 lakh for this phase, while the entire corridor is expected to serve 13 lakh commuters daily.

Inauguration by Prime Minister Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 12.69 km stretch from BKC to Aarey on Saturday. During his visit, he travelled between BKC and Santacruz and interacted with students and workers involved in building the underground line.

Despite some initial hiccups, many passengers praised the new Metro line for reducing travel time significantly during peak hours. "The ride was very smooth," commented Hrishi Sharma on X, noting only a minor delay at MIDC station.