The much-awaited public operations of Mumbai Metro Line 3 started on Monday, providing the residents a brand new underground expertise between Bandra-Kurla Advanced (BKC) and Aarey JVLR. Nonetheless, the primary morning noticed only some commuters, most of whom got here to expertise the underground journey or to see if the brand new route suits into their each day commute.
Later within the day additionally, it missed the same old rush hour site visitors, leading to comparatively empty stations and trains. Nonetheless, those that travelled had been impressed by the superior infrastructure and ease of journey.
The station workers anticipate footfall to extend as soon as the Metro turns into a part of common commute for extra folks.
“Because it was launched at an off-peak time, we didn’t see the frenzy we’re used to on different Metro traces. However the eight-coach trains are designed to deal with giant crowds, and we’re ready for extra passengers,” mentioned a station worker.
Additionally referred to as Aqua Line, one of many notable options of Metro 3 is its pricing, with fares starting from Rs 10 to Rs 50, relying on the space. The road contains 10 stations between Aarey JVLR and BKC, with notable stops at Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2) of the Mumbai airport. Moreover, the Aqua Line connects with the principle line at Marol Naka, simplifying inter-line journey for passengers.
Santacruz resident Ravindra Gandhi was one of many first to take a trip on the brand new Metro together with his five-year-old son.
“I needed to see what this new underground Metro was all about and I believed it might be a enjoyable expertise for my child. The expertise is totally different from different Metro traces. We had some bother discovering our manner, however I believe it can get simpler with time,” he mentioned.
All through the day, Metro Line 3 will run 96 roundtrip providers utilizing seven operational trains. Two further trains are stored as back-up in case of any technical points or upkeep. Passengers should purchase tickets by means of cell apps, ticket counters, merchandising machines and the MMRCL web site.
Impressed by the infrastructure and comfort, Rajendra Rao, a commuter from Andheri, mentioned, “The stations are well-designed and the trip may be very easy. The fare can be fairly reasonably priced for the comfort it supplies. However some clear bulletins or pop-ups for navigating simply by means of stations would assist.”
A number of commuters famous poor cell connectivity at stations and contained in the practice. To deal with this, the MMRCL will shortly have seamless 4G and 5G cell community connectivity from totally different service suppliers on all its stations and contained in the practice, mentioned an official.
Some commuters raised considerations about exterior components affecting their general expertise. J Ashwin, a commuter from Jogeshwari, identified the difficulties in reaching the Metro station itself. “The Metro is nice, however getting here’s a problem. Connectivity to the stations continues to be a problem. It will have been higher if the federal government labored on bettering entry exterior the stations as effectively,” he mentioned.
Some commuters additionally identified how the brand new Metro line has grow to be a brand new supply of earnings for auto-rickshaws catering to the feeder routes. “Auto-rickshaws are being profitable by transporting commuters to the stations, however the authorities wants to watch the dominance of those ‘auto mafias’ who would possibly exploit passengers,” one commuter talked about. There are considerations that this would possibly result in inflated fares and difficulties for normal commuters if strict regulation isn’t enforced.
With its fashionable design and connectivity to key areas such because the airport, Mumbai Metro 3 or the Aqua Line is reportedly anticipated to grow to be a well-liked selection for commuters, particularly as soon as the connectivity points are addressed.
