Mumbai Metro Line Three: Twenty-Four-Hour Service, Discounted Fares, and Enhanced Connectivity to Revolutionize Urban Travel

Published on October 26, 2025

Mumbai’s Metro Line 3, the city’s first fully underground metro corridor, is poised to revolutionize urban transportation. The new line, which runs from Aarey to Cuffe Parade, covers some of the most densely populated and high-traffic areas in South and Central Mumbai, providing much-needed relief to commuters and reducing congestion. This ambitious project represents a major step toward creating a more sustainable, reliable, and efficient public transport system in the bustling metropolis.

As Mumbai continues to grow and evolve, the metro’s role in improving the city’s connectivity becomes increasingly important. With the Aqua Line now fully operational, the next phase of enhancing urban travel lies in optimizing the commuter experience. To this end, several proposed improvements can further elevate the effectiveness and accessibility of Metro Line 3.

24-Hour Service for Mumbai’s Night Owls

Mumbai is a city that never sleeps, but its public transport system often shuts down before the early morning hours, leaving late-night workers and travelers without reliable options. A significant enhancement to the metro system would be the introduction of a 24-hour service, with trains running every 30 minutes between 1 AM and 5 AM. This service would cater to night-shift workers, late-night travelers, and emergency commuters, ensuring that the metro remains a dependable transport option at all times.

This round-the-clock service would align with the vibrant, fast-paced lifestyle of Mumbai, accommodating the city’s growing demand for flexible transportation solutions. By introducing a late-night metro service, the authorities would also reduce the reliance on private cars, taxis, and other costly modes of transport during off-peak hours.

Affordable Fares with Added Discounts

To make commuting on Metro Line 3 even more appealing, offering a 10% discount on fares paid through the NCMC (National Common Mobility Card) or Mumbai One cards would incentivize passengers to use cashless payment systems. This would not only promote a safer, more hygienic travel experience but also encourage regular metro use by providing financial savings for commuters.

In addition to the fare discounts, discounted trip passes for regular commuters, students, and office-goers would further boost ridership. These passes could be tailored for different groups, offering affordable options for daily metro users. Such initiatives would foster loyalty among passengers, encouraging them to choose the metro over other modes of transport and helping to ease road congestion.

Enhancing Last-Mile Connectivity

While the metro provides a fast and efficient means of travel, last-mile connectivity remains a critical challenge in urban mobility. To address this, the introduction of 400 air-conditioned feeder buses at an affordable fare of ₹10 per ride would greatly improve accessibility. These buses would run from each metro station, serving nearby areas and reducing the need for passengers to rely on taxis, auto-rickshaws, or private vehicles.

The feeder buses would operate on a convenient route system, with each metro station serving 15 dedicated buses covering three key nearby areas. This would make it easier for passengers to reach their final destinations quickly and comfortably, complementing the metro’s high-speed travel. It would also alleviate the congestion often caused by the dependence on autos and taxis for short-distance travel after reaching metro stations.

Feeder buses, combined with affordable fares, would contribute to a seamless travel experience, ensuring that passengers can easily transition from metro stations to their homes, workplaces, or other important destinations. This last-mile connectivity would make Metro Line 3 a more holistic and accessible option for all commuters.

The Future of Urban Mobility in Mumbai

The introduction of these practical measures would further solidify Mumbai Metro Line 3 as a game-changer in the city’s public transport system. By offering a 24-hour metro service, fare discounts, and enhanced last-mile connectivity, the metro would become even more attractive to a wide range of commuters.

This evolution of the Metro Line 3 service goes hand-in-hand with Mumbai’s broader goals of creating a sustainable, efficient, and accessible transport network. The metro’s role in reducing congestion, cutting down on pollution, and making daily travel more convenient cannot be overstated. As more commuters shift from private vehicles to the metro, the city will see significant improvements in air quality and traffic flow.

Conclusion

Mumbai Metro Line 3 is a milestone in the city’s journey toward modernizing urban mobility. By introducing 24-hour service, offering affordable fare discounts, and improving last-mile connectivity, Mumbai will take another giant leap toward a more efficient and eco-friendly transport system. These enhancements not only benefit commuters but also contribute to the city’s overall growth, making it a more connected, livable, and sustainable urban center. As Mumbai continues to expand, Metro Line 3 will remain at the forefront of the city’s transformation, offering an innovative solution to the challenges of urban mobility.