Mumbai’s transport infrastructure took another stride forward with the extension of Metro Line 3 from Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to Acharya Atre Chowk, which opened to the public this weekend. The response from Mumbaikars was notably enthusiastic, with 26,758 passengers boarding the line by 8 PM on its first day of extended service—substantially more than the 15,911 commuters recorded on the same day a week earlier.
Residents along the new alignment expressed relief and appreciation, citing reduced travel times and more comfortable commuting conditions. A group from Mahim, who boarded the train at Sitaladevi Mandir station, shared that the service had brought about a real change in how quickly they could access central Mumbai. The well-maintained coaches and modern infrastructure, they felt, were a breath of fresh air compared to the city’s usually packed roads and railways.
Despite the praise, commuters highlighted a few operational concerns. Some noted inconsistencies in station exit signage, especially at Siddhivinayak station, where a mismatch in exit numbers between underground and surface maps led to confusion. Social media users urged the authorities to install clearer and more consistent signage to aid navigation. To bolster ridership and reduce dependency on personal vehicles, Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) has launched a new initiative in partnership with Phoenix Palladium Mall in Lower Parel. A complimentary shuttle now runs between Acharya Atre Chowk Metro Station and the mall, aimed at improving last-mile connectivity and incentivising commuters to shift towards metro usage.
Metro Line 3, first operationalised in October with a 12.69 km route between Aarey and BKC, has now been extended by 9.77 km. The additional segment introduces six stations—Dharavi, Sitaladevi Mandir, Dadar, Siddhivinayak, Worli, and Acharya Atre Chowk—offering better connectivity across key city zones. The full route, stretching up to Cuffe Parade, is expected to be open to the public by mid-August, completing a 33.5 km underground network.
Meanwhile, progress is also underway on Metro Line 9. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced that trial runs for the Dahisar East to Kashigaon segment would begin in the coming week. Constructed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), the line is being implemented in phases due to challenges in setting up a car depot. The first 4.5 km stretch, comprising four stations, is scheduled to open by year-end. Once complete, it will connect with the existing Metro Line 7 and, eventually, Metro Line 10—further expanding Mumbai’s growing metro grid.
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