Mumbai Metro One Private Limited (MMOPL) has discontinued the short-loop shuttle service between Andheri and Ghatkopar, effective June 16, 2025. The service, launched in March to alleviate peak-hour congestion, was terminated after three months due to lower-than-expected ridership and operational challenges. The shuttle service aimed to reduce overcrowding on the Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar corridor by operating trains exclusively between Andheri and Ghatkopar during peak hours.
However, internal assessments revealed that footfall at stations like Versova, DN Nagar, and Azad Nagar was significantly lower than the corridor average, with only about 61,000 passengers recorded at these locations daily, compared to 455,000 across the full stretch. In response to the discontinuation, MMOPL has implemented a revised train schedule. The interval between metro trains, referred to as headway, has been reduced from 205 seconds to 200 seconds, effective June 16. This adjustment aims to enhance punctuality and provide a faster commute during busy hours.
The frequency on the Andheri-Ghatkopar segment had previously been adjusted under the shuttle plan, reducing intervals from 220 to 205 seconds. Despite these measures, congestion persisted, prompting the current overhaul. Commuters have suggested that increasing the length of trains could offer a more sustainable solution. Dhaval Shah, a commuter from Andheri, noted that the present four-car trains are often overcrowded and that six-car trains might alleviate the issue. Since its inception in June 2014, Metro-1 has been a vital component of Mumbai’s urban transit infrastructure. Serving an average of 4.5 to 5 lakh commuters daily, the line has facilitated over 1.11 billion passenger trips in the past 11 years. With 444 trips conducted on weekdays, Metro-1 remains one of the city’s busiest transit corridors.
The discontinuation of the shuttle service reflects MMOPL’s commitment to optimizing operations and improving the commuter experience. While the short-loop initiative did not achieve its intended objectives, the adjustments to train scheduling demonstrate a proactive approach to addressing the evolving needs of Mumbai’s metro passengers. As the city continues to expand its metro network, lessons learned from such initiatives will inform future strategies to enhance service efficiency and passenger satisfaction. The focus remains on creating a sustainable, equitable, and efficient public transportation system that meets the demands of Mumbai’s growing population.
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