Mumbai Metro Extends Midnight Services For Concertgoers Amid BKC Traffic Restrictions
Mumbai’s transport network stepped up to meet the city’s nightlife energy this week as Metro Line 3 extended its operating hours for two nights to support thousands of concertgoers attending a major international music event at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). The decision, announced by the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC), aimed to provide commuters a sustainable and congestion-free travel alternative amid heavy road closures and traffic diversions in the commercial district.
Metro Line 3, also known as the Aqua Line, ran trains until midnight on 29 and 30 October to accommodate the large turnout at the MMRDA Grounds. Typically, the last metro departs around 10:30 p.m., but the extended schedule ensured safe and convenient late-night mobility for attendees travelling from Aarey, BKC and Cuffe Parade. Officials confirmed that the last trains from both ends were rescheduled around 11:40 p.m. and midnight, while return trips continued until shortly after 12 a.m.
According to metro authorities, the move was designed to “enhance commuter safety and accessibility” during major public gatherings. Officials emphasised that extending operating hours is part of a broader approach to promote public transport as a viable, low-emission mobility solution in a city known for traffic congestion and rising carbon levels.Transport experts say that such responsive policies highlight the importance of flexible public transit in managing large-scale urban events. “Mumbai’s growing culture of concerts, sports, and festivals requires adaptable mobility systems. Metro expansion and flexible hours can greatly reduce private vehicle dependency, easing pollution and congestion,” said a senior mobility planner.
However, the event also exposed civic friction in parts of BKC, where road closures for security and crowd control inconvenienced local residents. Many reported longer detours and restricted access to homes due to the temporary barricades around the concert venue. Some residents questioned the legality of cordoning off public roads for private events, calling for stricter oversight and fairer use of public infrastructure.
City transport observers argue that while extended metro hours are a progressive step, coordination between organisers, civic bodies, and traffic authorities remains crucial. Urban mobility experts point out that large gatherings must be supported by integrated public transport systems, pedestrian access, and last-mile connectivity to ensure both inclusivity and sustainability.The metro’s initiative was met with appreciation from commuters, who praised the decision for enabling safe, efficient late-night travel without reliance on private cabs or cars. As Mumbai continues to transform into a 24-hour city, measures like these signal a necessary shift towards sustainable, citizen-first transport planning where infrastructure adapts to the pulse of urban life rather than the other way around.
