Mumbai: A part of Mumbai’s much-anticipated Metro 3, the Aqua Line Metro line, became operational at 11 am on Monday. The first Metro 3 train left Aarey-JVLR station for Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) at 11 am sharp. This stretch includes an underground ride, a first for Mumbai Metro commuters.
A day earlier, on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 12.60-km-long Phase 1 of the Metro 3 line, which has only Aarey-JVLR at grade (ground level) and all other stations underground.
Excited commuters shared their experiences of riding an underground metro in Mumbai on social media. MMRCL had confirmed that mobile connectivity near the ticket counters and concourse would be available. However, commuters found their mobile signals even during the underground ride, making them all the more happy and excited.
“First Day, First show! Catching the very first train, getting one of the first tickets on Mumbai Metro Aqua Line 3, being a part of the historic ride, an amazing experience,” shared a Metro 3 passenger on X, along with several videos and an image of the ticket.
“Underground Metro is a different experience. It is seamless and very comfortable. It used to take me 1 hour to travel to my destination, now I can do so in 20 minutes. I used to spend Rs 170 on auto on one side, Rs 250 on cab. Now, I will be able to travel by spending just Rs 80,” a commuter, Sai Kumar, told ANI.
The newly-opened Phase 1 of Metro 3 line consists of 10 states and tickets are priced from Rs 10 to Rs 50. The Aarey JVLR to BKC Metro 3 route is expected to reduce road traffic by 35 per cent.