Mumbai’s first underground Metro corridor, Aqua Line Phase-1, officially opened to the public on Monday morning, connecting the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) to Aarey. The much-anticipated launch began at 11 a.m. and attracted a significant number of commuters eager to experience the ride on its inaugural day.

However, by 9 p.m., reports indicated that only 15,000 passengers had utilised the new line, far below the projected ridership of 4 lakh commuters per day. Vaidehi More, a spokesperson for the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC), confirmed that 8,532 passengers rode the Aqua Line by 6 p.m.

Despite the initial excitement, the ridership figures raised questions regarding the reasons behind the lack of passengers. Some commuters experienced glitches with safety doors, although officials stated they had not received complaints. Others pointed to challenges such as limited entry and exit points at certain stations and a demand for a unified app for all Metro services in the city.

Transport activist Ajit Shenoy attributed the low patronage to insufficient connectivity with major railway stations and high fares compared to the suburban railway network. He noted that the current route does not pass through densely populated areas, further limiting potential ridership.

Ankush Nevre, a Mumbai resident who works in Andheri, shared his positive experience, stating, “I was waiting for this connection for quite some time. I managed to get the first train to BKC at 11:10 a.m. The service will be good, but there is a need for more signages and boards for better access.”

Concerns over station accessibility were also voiced on social media, with passengers highlighting the need for improved infrastructure. One user mentioned having to walk a considerable distance from the CSMIA T2 station to Terminal 2, which could be cumbersome for those with luggage.

Despite these initial hiccups, many passengers praised the Aqua Line for significantly reducing commute times. “The ride was very smooth for the first day. There was only a 5-minute delay at MIDC station,” shared a commuter on social media.

The MMRC has announced that regular operations on the Aqua Line will begin on Tuesday, with services running from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. from Monday to Saturday, and from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Sundays. Ticket prices range from ₹10 to ₹50, and passengers can book tickets using the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), the Mumbai Metro 3 mobile app, or ticket vending machines.

The Aqua Line, which includes ten stations—BKC, Bandra Colony, Santacruz Metro, and others—marks a significant step in enhancing Mumbai’s public transport system. The corridor is expected to serve as a vital link for commuters, easing traffic congestion and promoting urban mobility in the bustling financial capital of India.