Mumbai Metro Aqua Line 3 witnessed a record 1.64 lakh passengers on October 13, marking a significant milestone in the city’s public transport journey.

On October 13, 2025, Mumbai’s much‑anticipated Aqua Line (Metro Line 3) registered a major milestone — 1,64,877 commuters travelled on that single day on the corridor, according to data from the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC). Mid-day This surge underscores both the public’s growing confidence in the new underground metro line and the evolving dynamics of urban mobility in India’s financial capital.

In this article, we explore how the Aqua Line achieved this feat, the context and challenges behind it, how it compares with earlier ridership trends, commuter experiences, and what this might signal for the future of Mumbai’s mass transit network.

Context: What is Aqua Line / Metro 3?

To fully appreciate the significance of the 1.64 lakh figure, it’s helpful to understand the Aqua Line’s background, design, and objectives.

The Aqua Line (Metro Line 3) is Mumbai’s first fully underground metro corridor.
Its full stretch spans approximately 33.5 km, connecting Colaba in South Mumbai to SEEPZ / Aarey and thence up to Cuffe Parade, passing through key nodes such as Bandra, BKC, and so on.
As of recent reports, it has 27 stations, of which 26 are underground and 1 is at-grade.
The Aqua Line is seen as a transformative project to ease traffic pressure, reduce travel times, and provide a more sustainable mobility option for Mumbai’s dense, congested corridors. The

The initial phases of the line were gradually opened to the public, and ridership growth has been closely watched by urban planners, commuters, and media alike.

The Significance of October 13 Ridership

Why 1.64 Lakh Matters

The 1,64,877 ridership number is not just a statistic — it signals several things:

Rising public trust
A large number of people trusting the new corridor for their daily commute suggests that initial skepticism or inertia is giving way to adoption.
Breaking inertia and behavior change
Getting people to shift from private vehicles, taxis, buses or local trains to a new metro line requires a threshold of convenience, reliability, and connectivity. This ridership suggests that many commuters felt that the Aqua Line had crossed that threshold on October 13.
Operational robustness
Managing that many daily users is a test of operational capacity, station management, crowd control, and service reliability. Handling this volume smoothly boosts public perception and confidence.
Signal for future phases
Strong early ridership helps justify further expansion, investments, and operational scaling.

Underlying Trends Leading Up to This Day

The MMRC data shows that the Aqua Line’s average weekday ridership had been rising steadily since operations began.
In the preceding week (October 7 to 13), the corridor recorded about 1.55 lakh riders cumulatively.
On October 13 itself, the figure was significantly higher than earlier single-day counts, indicating a notable uptick.
The corridor has also introduced innovations such as WhatsApp‑based ticketing, where commuters can generate QR tickets by sending a message or scanning QR codes at stations, supporting multiple payment modes and eliminating paper tickets.

These trends show steady upward movement, not just a one‑day spike.

Comparing with Early Ridership and Expectations

Early Days and Growth

When the first stretch of the Aqua Line (Phase 1) opened (from Aarey to BKC), ridership started from modest levels:

On Day 1, the ridership was 18,015 commuters.
By October 13, even before full connectivity was in place, daily ridership for that stretch had risen to 25,782, representing substantial growth.
Over the first 7 days, the underground Metro 3 corridor (just the initial stretch) recorded 1.55 lakh riders cumulatively.

This shows a roughly 43 % jump in daily numbers from opening to October 13 for that stretch.

Projections, Challenges, and Criticism

While ridership growth is promising, the Aqua Line has faced skepticism and criticism:

Some reports earlier had flagged low footfall in its early days: the corridor, operating partially, struggled to attract big numbers at off‑peak hours.
The projection for the full corridor was much higher; some reports suggested the line, once fully operational and integrated, could serve upwards of 1.3 million passengers daily. APAC
As late as early 2025, daily averages for the partial corridor were sometimes under 20,000, far short of ambitious targets.
Critics pointed out issues of connectivity (to last mile, feeder services), station access, and lack of seamless interchange with other public transport systems as possible impediments.

In this backdrop, the 1.64 lakh day stands out as a possible turning point or inflection.

What Made October 13 Special?

It’s useful to examine what might have contributed to such a surge:

Fuller Connectivity / Service Maturation

By October 13, more segments and stations may have been operational, improving the corridor’s reach and utility. As more stations go live, more residents and workers along the route can use it.

Word of Mouth & Ridership Momentum

Once people experience the speed, cleanliness, comfort, and reliability of the metro, they are more likely to shift. Positive feedback and social sharing help build momentum. As the line operates over more days, commuters gradually adjust routines.

Publicity, Launch Hype & First Impressions

Given the high expectations and publicity around Metro 3, many commuters may have “tried it out” on October 13, especially if it was a weekend or a day when multiple segments were open. The novelty factor can push numbers up initially.

Operational Improvements and Ticketing Ease

Improvements in station accessibility, last‑mile connectivity, and simplified ticketing (like WhatsApp QR tickets) reduce friction and encourage usage. The MMRC’s adoption of multiple payment options and elimination of paper tickets adds to convenience.

Key Corridors & Demand Centers

The Aqua Line passes through high demand corridors — business districts, residential hubs, and transit junctures. On days when these corridors are busy (office days, weekends, events), ridership surges. Also, as workers try new route combinations, some might shift to the metro.

Commuter Experience & Feedback

Numbers tell one story, but how do commuters feel? Based on media reports, user‑shared experiences, and social media chatter, here is a composite view:

Positive Impressions

The speed and time saving are often praised. On one Reddit share, someone travelling from Marol to Vidhan Bhavan (Marine Drive / Vidhan Bhavan station) estimated that sections which normally take 45 minutes to an hour by road got done faster via the Aqua Line.
Modern stations, air‑conditioned coaches, escalators, lifts, and well‑designed interiors often receive compliments.
The comfort, ride smoothness, and reduced crowding (compared to other modes) are seen as a relief.
Many users like that ticketing is handled digitally (WhatsApp QR, digital payment), avoiding long queues for tokens or paper tickets.

Pain Points, Complaints & Observations

Connectivity gaps: Some commuters highlight difficulties with last-mile connectivity or reaching stations from their neighborhoods.
Walking within stations: Because many stations are underground and large, some walking or navigation inside stations is required, which can be cumbersome for some, particularly elderly or differently abled travelers.
Mobile network / connectivity underground: Some complaints that mobile networks drop or are weak while underground.
Crowds during peak hours: At peak times, trains and platforms can get crowded; although compared to older lines, the rush is manageable (for now).
Ticketing / network dependency: Some riders caution that if mobile or network fails, digital ticketing could become problematic.

These mixed but largely positive impressions indicate that while challenges exist, the commuter sentiment is improving.

Challenges & What Needs Attention

To sustain and further grow ridership, the Aqua Line (and the agencies managing it) need to address certain key issues:

Seamless Integration & Interchange

One criticism often raised is that metro lines in Mumbai (old and new) lack truly efficient interchange stations where commuters can switch easily without leaving paid zones or walking long distances. Reddit Better integration with bus networks, local trains, and other metro lines is essential for maximizing utility.

Last Mile Connectivity

Even a great metro line can fail to attract riders if reaching stations is difficult. Feeder buses, e‑rickshaws, pedestrian paths, safe walkways, cycle / scooter parking and “bike + metro” integration should be prioritized.

Public Awareness & Habit Change

In a city used to road-based commuting and local trains, shifting habits takes time. Public awareness campaigns, route planners, incentives, and simplified ticketing will help. Once multiple segments are operational, the network effect will help accelerate adoption.

Frequency, Capacity & Peak Hour Service

As ridership grows, operational frequency and train capacity must scale up. Ensuring short wait times, sufficient service during peak hours, and minimal delays will be critical for retaining commuters.

Maintenance, Cleanliness & Reliability

Sustaining cleanliness, station upkeep, escalators, ventilation, elevator functionality, and prompt handling of breakdowns or disruptions is vital to keep commuter faith.

Expansion & Complete Network Vision

The full promise of the Aqua Line lies in its end-to-end connectivity across the 33.5 km stretch. As more phases open (e.g. deeper into South Mumbai, Cuffe Parade, island city stations), the line’s utility and ridership potential will increase.

What This Means for Mumbai’s Transit Future

The October 13 ridership feat has broader implications for Mumbai’s transport ecosystem. Here are some possible outlooks:

Catalyst for Metro Growth
If ridership continues to grow, authorities will be encouraged to accelerate other metro lines, make inter-line linkages, and invest in complementary infrastructure (parks, roads, corridors).
Traffic relief & reduced congestion
As more commuters shift to metros, pressure on roads, buses, and local trains may ease, especially on congested corridors like Western Express Highway, Harbour Road, and arterial roads.
Environmental and sustainability gains
Shifting travelers from private vehicles to electric / mass transit reduces emissions, fuel consumption, and pollution — important in a city like Mumbai with high congestion and air quality concerns.
Boost to real estate, commercial development & urban planning
Areas around metro stations often see higher real estate and commercial activity. Transit-oriented development (TOD) can reshape city planning, densification, and mixed-use zones.
Model for other Indian metros
As one of India’s longest underground metro corridors, Aqua Line’s successes (and lessons) will be closely watched by planners in other cities.

Looking Forward: What to Watch

Here are some metrics and milestones to watch in coming weeks and months:

Sustained daily ridership
Will Aqua Line maintain or surpass 1.5–1.6 lakh daily users, or will it fluctuate? Growth trajectory is crucial.
Ridership on new segments
As stations in South Mumbai (Cuffe Parade, Colaba, Churchgate, etc.) open, how many more riders will join?
Peak vs off-peak usage
The balance between commuting hours and midday or weekend ridership will reveal how much the metro is being used for daily work travel versus occasional use.
Interchange and feeder ridership
How many commuters use buses, last-mile services, or transfer from other modes to reach Aqua Line stations?
Operational metrics
Train punctuality, delays, breakdowns, station maintenance, escalator availability, etc.
Public satisfaction & surveys
Commuter feedback, surveys, and sentiment analysis can help authorities fine-tune services.

Sample Narrative: A Commuter’s Journey on October 13

To humanize the numbers, imagine a typical commuter’s day on October 13:

Riya, an IT professional living in Andheri East, had earlier taken a 45‑60 minute bus + local train journey to reach her office near Churchgate. On this Monday, she decided to try the Aqua Line. She walked to her nearest station (SEEPZ), tapped a QR ticket via WhatsApp, boarded the underground train at 8:05 AM, traveled through BKC, then on toward Churchgate. The travel time was about 35 minutes total — saving her nearly 20 minutes compared to her earlier commute. She found the ride comfortable, air‑conditioned, and less crowded than usual. For her return trip in the evening, she considered doing the same route — attracted by consistency, comfort, and predictability. On her way, she recommended the metro to a colleague who accompanied her for his first ride.

Riya’s story may mirror many of the new users who contributed to the 1.64 lakh figure — people who tested the service, found value, and possibly shifted their commuting habits.

Challenges to Still Overcome & Caution

While the milestone is impressive, a few caveats and challenges must be kept in mind:

Single-day spikes can be misleading: Day-specific events, promotions, or novelty can inflate numbers temporarily. What matters more is consistent growth over weeks and months.
Incomplete network effect: Until all stations and connections are in place, many potential users may still find it inconvenient to use the line.
Behavioral inertia: Many commuters may not switch immediately, especially if their existing route is perceived as “good enough.” There will always be a transition period.
Maintenance & scaling pressure: As usage grows, operational stresses will increase. Maintaining service quality is as critical as expanding service volume.
Affordability & fare structure: As more segments open, fare structures, subsidies, and pricing will need fine‑tuning to balance cost recovery and affordability.

The Aqua Line’s 1.64 lakh ridership on October 13 is a powerful signal — that Mumbai’s investments in underground metro infrastructure are beginning to pay off in real commuter adoption. For a city grappling with congestion, long commutes, and transit stress, this is a moment of transition.

However, the real story is still being written. Whether this ridership surge becomes sustained momentum or a one-off peak depends on continued expansion, integration, operational excellence, and meeting commuter expectations. If Mumbai gets those right, the Aqua Line could become a backbone of the city’s urban mobility for decades.