Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 10: After nearly a decade of anticipation, Mumbai inaugurated its first fully underground Metro line – the Aqua Line (Metro 3) – on Thursday. Covering 33.5 km from Aarey to Cuffe Parade, it is now India’s longest fully underground metro corridor built in a single phase. By 9 pm, 1,46,087 commuters had used the new line, highlighting the city’s urgent need for faster suburban-to-South Mumbai connectivity.

Earlier partial openings had seen much lower ridership: 18,015 passengers when the first section opened on 7th October, and 32,791 for the second section on 10th May. The full launch has more than doubled previous usage, particularly benefiting business and government hubs in South Mumbai.

Stations including Worli, Dadar, Vidhan Bhavan, CSMT, and Churchgate reported steady morning crowds. Commuters have quickly adopted the Metro to avoid long bus waits and costly taxis. Observers noted reduced bus occupancy and fewer taxis at major stations, with some drivers encouraging shared rides – a notable shift in the city’s transport pattern.

The Metro drastically reduces travel time and cost. Ramesh Jadhav, an insurance professional, cut his commute from over an hour to just 19 minutes for Rs 20. Bank employee Neha Shah now reaches work in 25 minutes for Rs 40, saving both money and time. “I can now plan my meetings properly,” she said.

The Aqua Line is poised to reshape Mumbai’s commuting landscape, offering a faster, cheaper, and more reliable alternative for thousands of daily travelers.