The newly operational Metro Line 3 has quickly reshaped Mumbai's commute, with Marol Naka emerging as its busiest station, thanks to its strategic connectivity to Metro Line 1, which links Ghatkopar to Versova. Meanwhile, operations at the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) station were temporarily suspended following a fire incident on Friday.
Marol Naka Leads Ridership
Indian Express reported that data from the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRCL) reveals that Marol Naka welcomed 45,000 commuters between November 1 and 13, leading the ridership tally. Santacruz station followed with 32,091 passengers, and BKC recorded 27,749 riders during the same period. Since its partial launch on October 7, Metro Line 3 has recorded over 6 lakh commuters in its first month, averaging 20,000 daily passengers. Phase 1 of the metro covers an 11.4 km route from Aarey to BKC, connecting 10 underground stations. The remaining sections of the line are expected to be operational next year.
Phase 1 has drastically reduced travel times, allowing commuters to travel between Aarey and BKC in just 30 minutes, compared to over an hour by road during peak traffic on the Western Express Highway. With trains running every 6.5 minutes during peak hours, the metro offers 96 trips daily, operating between 6:30 am and 10:30 pm on weekdays and from 8:30 am on weekends. Fares range from ₹10 to ₹50, offering a cost-effective alternative for the city's residents.
Recent Fire Incident at BKC Station
In an unrelated development, a fire broke out in the basement of the BKC underground metro station on Friday afternoon. The fire, reported at around 1:10 pm, was confined to wooden materials, furniture, and construction debris located 40-50 feet below ground. Heavy smoke filled the area, prompting an immediate response. Reports stated that there were no injuries reported in the incident, and officials added that the fire was swiftly brought under control. Eight fire engines and several emergency teams, including personnel from the Mumbai Fire Brigade, Mumbai Police, Adani Power, 108 Ambulance, Public Works Department (PWD), and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), were deployed to the site.
An MMRC spokesperson addressed the incident on its official social media platform and stated that passenger services at BKC station were temporarily closed due to a fire outside Entry/Exit A4, which caused smoke to enter the station. The developments highlight the growing significance of Mumbai’s metro network in easing urban commutes while underlining the challenges of managing a complex transportation system. As Metro Line 3 moves toward full-scale operations, it continues to improve connectivity, reducing travel time and congestion, even as safety measures remain a top priority.
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