Mumbai’s Metro Lines 2A and 7, operational since January 2023, have significantly reduced commute times, with 81% of users saving an average of 26 minutes per trip.
However, only 7.8% of private car users have transitioned to the Metro, highlighting ongoing challenges in influencing commuter preferences. According to a recent study conducted by the civil engineering department of a leading technical institute, titled How New Metro Lines Shape a Sustainable Future, the Metro has successfully drawn users away from suburban trains (26.4%), BEST buses (24.1%), two-wheelers (19.4%), and autorickshaws (17.2%). However, its impact on private car usage remains limited.
Urban mobility experts attribute this to the absence of adequate park-and-ride facilities and the lack of seamless last-mile connectivity. Over 60% of Metro riders currently walk to and from stations, with average walking durations of 8.5 minutes at the beginning and 7.7 minutes at the end of each trip. Despite these hurdles, the Metro has positively influenced rider satisfaction and contributed to improved air quality. Still, to deepen its environmental and commuter impact, urban planners stress the importance of integrated transport networks, enhanced feeder services, and infrastructure that supports efficient multimodal travel.
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