Mumbai's Aqua Line Metro Opens to Public

Mumbai's Aqua Line Phase 1, the city's first underground Metro corridor connecting Aarey to Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), commenced operations on October 6, attracting initially low ridership. On its first day, it recorded around 8,500 passengers, significantly below the projected 400,000 daily users, raising concerns about the line's feasibility and connectivity. Commuters expressed both enthusiasm for the service's potential to reduce travel times and dissatisfaction with issues such as limited entry and exit points, fare comparisons to suburban rail, and safety door glitches. Despite these challenges, many praised the Metro for its speed and comfort, with passengers sharing positive experiences regarding reduced commute times. The full operational hours will begin on October 9, with hopes that ridership will improve during peak hours. Officials assert that the Aqua Line is expected to alleviate traffic congestion significantly, including reducing vehicular trips and fuel consumption.