Mumbai Metro's new BKC–Worli stretch records 32,725 ridership during its first Sunday

Mumbai’s extended Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line) saw a significant rise in ridership, with 32,725 passengers travelling between Aarey and Worli by 8 PM on Sunday. This marks a nearly 6,000-passenger increase from Saturday’s 26,758. The surge follows the May 10 launch of the 9.77 km BKC-Worli extension, Mumbai’s first seamless north-south metro connection.

The 9.77-km extension of Mumbai Metro Line 3 brings six new stations, including key hubs like Dadar, Siddhivinayak, and Worli, enabling smooth, direct travel from Aarey to Worli. Commuters welcomed the move, applauding its speed, comfort, and much-needed break from road congestion. While the overall response was positive, a few users took to social media suggesting improvements in signage and indicators.

To enhance last-mile access, MMRCL has partnered with Phoenix Palladium Mall to offer a free shuttle from Acharya Atre Chowk station. With 244 trains now running daily across 22.46 km, the full 33.5-km corridor is expected to be operational by August, promising seamless north-south connectivity across Mumbai.

Meanwhile, trial runs for Metro Line 9 (Dahisar to Bhayandar) are set to begin this week, marking Thane's metro debut. The 13.58 km extension of Red Line will initially connect Andheri to Kashigaon, via four stations eventually reducing western suburb's travel time by 50-75%.

MMRDA's phased approach aims for faster rollout, with the line expected to serve over 11 lakh daily riders by 2031, integrating with key transit hubs for seamless connectivity.