Mumbai Metro Line 3's Aqua Line: A New Era in Urban Transit, But Challenges Loom

The newly-opened Mumbai Metro Line 3, also known as the Aqua Line, Phase 1, recorded 20,482 passengers on its first full operational day. Despite its launch by Prime Minister Modi and an expected daily ridership of 4 lakh, current figures are falling short, raising feasibility concerns about Metro infrastructure projects in India.

The Aqua Line of Mumbai Metro Line 3, Phase 1, was inaugurated with great enthusiasm, welcoming 20,482 passengers on its first full operational day. Officials noted this figure from the corridor, operational from 6:30 am to 9 pm.

Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the 12.69-km stretch from Bandra Kurla Complex to Aarey Colony is linked to some of the busiest transport hubs in Mumbai. However, the patronage remains lower than anticipated, with the model predicting four lakh daily rides.

Concerns mount over the feasibility of such massive infrastructure ventures, despite their contribution to Mumbai's global image. The corridor aims to ease road traffic and slash vehicular trips by 6.5 lakh, yet the current shortfall in ridership poses questions on the project's long-term viability.

(With inputs from agencies.)