Mumbai Metro Line 3, known as the Aqua Line, has recently integrated with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), enabling seamless ticket booking via interoperable apps—including Uber and Google Maps—signifying a major stride in making urban mobility more inclusive, sustainable and commuter‑centric. Passengers can now purchase tickets using ONDC‑enabled platforms, bypassing the previous need to use dedicated metro apps or queuing at stations.
Line 3, spanning approximately 33.5 km from Aarey to Colaba with 27 stations, represents Mumbai’s first fully underground metro project and is expected to carry around 1.7 million commuters daily once fully operational The inaugural phase, covering Aarey to Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), began service in October 2024 with a dozen stations already in use, including key hubs such as Andheri, SEEPZ and the city’s airport terminals. To complement the ONDC integration, the RuPay National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) was introduced on Line 3 for tap-and-travel convenience. The card is compatible across multiple metro lines and connecting bus networks, eliminating dependence on cash or separate travel cards.
Crucially, ONDC’s unified ticketing supports Mumbai’s sustainability objectives. Digital transactions reduce paper-based tokens, while the line’s all-electric, underground operations help curb vehicular congestion and emissions—aligning with the city’s zero‑net‑carbon ambitions. The enhanced connectivity also encourages public transport use, potentially diverting peak-time traffic on congested routes such as the Western Express Highway. Earlier corridors required multiple apps and payment methods, often frustrating commuters. The new system enables users to select a single ONDC‑compatible app to check timings, book tickets, recharge smart cards and access last‑mile options—simplifying daily travel. This is especially beneficial for women, elderly passengers and those with mobility needs, reinforcing an equitable and gender‑neutral mobility framework.
Technological upgrades also extend to connectivity: mobile and internet access has been installed throughout underground tunnels and stations via in‑building solutions from major telecom providers, ensuring uninterrupted communication during travel. Looking ahead, Mumbai serves as a model for nationwide metro integration. Chennai Metro has already adopted ONDC, with Kochi next in line; connecting metros with bus and auto services through open networks promises comprehensive urban mobility solutions. The line 3 integration complements physical infrastructure investments with digital systems, supporting the expansion of a resilient, sustainable transit ecosystem. While user feedback remains mixed—some commuters have reported limited coverage of interchanges and inconsistent feeder services—the overall response has emphasised the convenience and potential of unified ticketing.
As Metro Line 3 advances toward full commissioning—projected by mid‑2025—the focus must shift to enhancing last‑mile connectivity, ensuring full NCMC adoption and promoting open‑platform usage across Mumbai’s urban transport spectrum. In essence, integrating Mumbai Metro Line 3 with ONDC signals the city’s ambition to not only expand physical infrastructure but to pioneer cohesive digital platforms that elevate sustainability, gender inclusivity and commuter experience. The next phase of success will depend on optimizing integration across systems—and ensuring this improved access translates into sustained public adoption and reduced carbon footprint city‑wide.
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