Mumbai Metro 3 Does Not Allow Carrying Cycles; Cyclists Confused With Inconsistent Rules

The cycling community in Mumbai have expressed their displeasure for not allowing cycles in the trains operating on Metro 3 line, also known as the Aqua Line.

The 33.5 km underground metro between JVLR Aarey and 12.69 km long Kulaba-Seepz-Aarey between JVLR Aarey and BKC was opened for public on Monday, October 7. Cyclists visiting the BKC metro station were told by security personnel and ticket attendants that bicycles are not allowed on the train.

Cyclists say they are confused by the rules. Because the elevated line connecting Dahisar and Andheri (West), opened in 2022, allows carrying cycles in 2A locomotives. Incidentally, BKC is one of the important stations on the Aqua line and it has most of Mumbai's dedicated cycling lanes.

One of the reasons for the different rules is that three organizations operate Mumbai's four metro lines. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), the state government's urban planning agency, operates Line 2A and Line 7 (Dahisar to Andheri East).

It is pertinent to note that cycles were not permitted on Mumbai's first Metro line between Ghatkopar and Versova, which started operations in 2014, is managed by Mumbai Metro One, a joint venture between MMRDA and RIInfra, a private company.

The Aqua Line is owned by the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL), a joint venture between the central and state governments.

MMRCL said its coaches are not designed to carry cycles but will try to introduce the facility once the entire route is operational next year. "Coaches are not designed to carry bicycles, but we will try to accommodate bicycles once the entire line up to Kulabya is operational," said an MMRCL spokesperson.

Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) systems in urban centers around the world have different rules for carrying bicycles. Delhi Metro allows bicycles but with some restrictions. Bangalore Metro allows non-folding cycles, but only during non-peak hours. Chennai Metro allows only folding cycles. Kolkata Metro, India's first MRT does not allow cycling. Some of the world's largest MRT systems, such as the London Underground, the New York City subway, and the Tokyo Metro, allow folding bicycles. But some restrictions apply.