Mumbai's newly launched Metro Line 3, also known as the Aqua Line, is facing unexpected challenges just days after its inauguration. While the extension of the line from Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to Acharya Atre Chowk was intended to ease commutes and improve connectivity, the Siddhivinayak Metro Station, a key stop on the route, is experiencing surprisingly low footfall.

On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, a little over a week after the May 10 launch, the Siddhivinayak Metro Station presented a deserted appearance, particularly Platform No. 1, which serves trains heading towards Worli and Acharya Atre Chowk. This is despite the high-profile launch event attended by prominent political figures. The Acharya Atre Chowk station, another key stop on the route, was also expected to draw significant ridership, but platforms remain largely empty.

Several factors may contribute to the low turnout. Commuters may still be unaware of the new stations being operational. Initial reports suggest that many people were not aware that the new stations were open to the public, resulting in light crowds in the first few days. Another issue compounding the problem is a non-functional ticket vending machine at Siddhivinayak Station, creating inconvenience for passengers attempting to use the new line.

Despite these initial setbacks at the Siddhivinayak station, the second phase of Mumbai's Metro Line 3 has recorded a strong start overall, with over 2.04 lakh passengers using the service in the nine days following its launch on May 10. The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) reports that approximately 20,000 commuters are using this newly opened stretch daily. The entire Aarey to Acharya Atre Chowk stretch has seen a climb to 47.14 lakh passengers as of May 18, indicating growing public interest in the line.

The MMRC believes a significant portion of the increased ridership is due to passengers heading to the Siddhivinayak Temple, as the station is located a short walk from the religious site. Ticket fares for the BKC to Acharya Atre Chowk stretch range from Rs 10 to Rs 40, making it an affordable option for commuters. The extension of Mumbai Metro Line 3 has brought key hubs like Dadar, Siddhivinayak, and Worli within minutes of each other, enabling smooth and direct travel from Aarey to Worli. The launch of the BKC-Worli extension represents Mumbai's first seamless north-south metro connection.

Looking ahead, the MMRC plans to open Phase 2B, from Acharya Atre Chowk to Cuffe Parade, by August 2025, with officials expecting this extension to further boost ridership on Metro Line 3, positioning it as a critical link in Mumbai's expanding public transport network. Once the entire line is operational, it will cater to around 1.3 million passengers daily. The complete Aqua Line will improve connectivity between business hubs like BKC, Worli, and Nariman Point, and provide easy access to religious sites such as Siddhivinayak Temple and Mahim Dargah.