• Colleagues asked, how come you come to office looking so fresh now days. Author replied, thanks to Aqua Line Mumbai Metro 3. He shares personal experiences of daily commute.

Having lived in Mumbai since the past thirty nine years, my experience with the city’s transportation system has always been a struggle! However, the beauty of the city is that it accommodates everyone. Local trains have been there for a long time and people have got used to travel in them irrespective of the huge crowds and the daily struggle.

The Aqua Line, also known as Mumbai Metro Line 3 is a rapid transit metro line and a game-changer for the city, transforming the way people commute. It is a completely underground metro line which started as phase 1 from Aarey JVLR to Bandra Kurla Complex on 5th October 2024. It was extended to Acharya Atre Chowk in Worli on May 10, 2025 and is expected to connect to Cuffe Parade in the coming months.

I took my first ride on the Aqua Line on 11th May 2025 from Acharya Atre Chowk to JVLR Aarey. All the stations have escalators, stairs and lifts making it easy for everyone, even the specially-abled to access the station.

I experienced the easy-to-use ticketing system with multiple options to book tickets that makes the experience hassle free. One can buy ticket via the MetroConnect3 app or at the station. The next day, I had to go through scanning of my luggage and security check. Metro 3 team followed the highest safety standards.

The entry/exit gates are operated automatically when one scans the unique QR code available on each ticket.

As I stepped inside the metro station, I was greeted by a blend of innovation, comfort, and sustainability, defining the essence of contemporary travel. The Aqua Line’s infrastructure is a marvel of engineering and aesthetics. Its sleek, modern design is complemented by state-of-the art facilities, ensuring comfort and convenience for every rider. 

The platforms are spacious, brightly lit, and equipped with digital displays that provide real-time updates, making navigation effortless. The stations are very clean and well-maintained, providing a comfortable and pleasant experience.

Once inside the train, I saw that the coaches had vibrant interiors, wide doors for accessibility, and spacious seating arrangements. The train glided smoothly along with the tracks with minimum noise and vibration. I felt happy looking at various families and the children walking through the train’s coaches, an experience they could not get in local or long distance trains. Each compartment is air-conditioned, ensuring a pleasant journey regardless of the external weather conditions. Every platform has multiple exits connecting commuters to their nearest destination. 

On reaching office my colleagues surprised me with a comment, “You look fresh! It immediately highlighted the stark contrast to my previous daily struggle of reaching work sweaty and exhausted. The best part is that the Aqua Line stations are conveniently located near both my residence and office. 

I have been travelling daily to office by the Aqua Line since the day Acharya Atre Chowk station started and feel blessed to have this facility.

The Aqua Line

It stands as a testament to modern urban transit, bridging bustling cityscapes with seamless connectivity, efficiency and offers unparalleled riding comfort. The travel time is significantly reduced as one does not have to undergo the challenges faced while travelling by car.

It is maintained with high standards of cleanliness and safety. We are not used to such clean stations in our country, and it was a different experience altogether. The trains run at regular intervals, ensuring a reliable and punctual service.

The Aqua Line excels in its connectivity, linking vital urban hubs, business districts and cultural landmarks. It connects with other metro networks and public transit options further amplifies its accessibility.

However, the last mile connectivity from the stations at few of the places is still a challenge and hopefully will get resolved in the near future. 

Yet, there might be short-term temporary hiccups like the flooding of Acharya Atre Chowk station. We need to take them in our stride and thank Metro3 for re-opening the station in the same week, causing minimum inconvenience to commuters.

The Aqua Line Metro 3 offers more than just a ride – it delivers an experience that harmonizes innovation, comfort and efficiency. Whether you are heading to work or exploring the city, the Aqua Line transforms every commute into a journey worth savouring. 

It sets the benchmark for metro systems globally, promising a future where transit is not just efficient but truly inspiring.

Here are some pictures of Mumbai Metro 3 clicked by me.

The author is a Technology Professional. The views are personal and do not represent those of his employer.

Editor - This picture is of an Aqua Line coach. It is taken from an earlier album.

Also see album Making of Mumbai Metro 3