Maha Mumbai Metro has significantly ramped up services on its Lines 2A and 7, increasing daily trips to 305, in a strategic response to surging commuter demand. This decisive move follows a record-breaking ridership of over 3 lakh passengers on a single day, signalling growing public confidence in the metro network. The enhancement aims to improve travel experience, reduce congestion, and bolster Mumbai’s vision for a more connected and sustainable urban future.
The operational upgrade, implemented by Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Limited (MMMOCL) under the guidance of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), involved deploying three new trainsets, bringing the total operational fleet from 21 to 24 rakes. This expansion has allowed for 21 additional services, directly addressing the peak-hour rush that often challenges urban transit systems. Such proactive measures are vital for maintaining the efficiency and appeal of public transport, encouraging a shift away from private vehicles, and thereby contributing to lower carbon emissions and cleaner air in the city.
One of the most impactful changes is the reduction of peak-hour headway from 6 minutes 35 seconds to a more efficient 5 minutes 50 seconds. This seemingly minor adjustment is expected to significantly reduce commuter wait times and alleviate platform congestion, enhancing the daily travel experience for lakhs of Mumbaikars. Maintaining a frequency of 9 minutes 30 seconds during non-peak hours ensures an optimal balance between service availability and energy efficiency, reflecting a data-backed planning approach.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis underscored the government’s commitment, stating, “As citizens increasingly embrace the metro as their primary mode of transport, it becomes our duty to stay ahead of their expectations.” Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde further emphasised that the metro has become a “lifeline” for daily commuters, highlighting the people-centric nature of the decision. This focus on passenger convenience and operational resilience is crucial for building gender-neutral and equitable cities, where accessible and reliable public transport empowers all segments of society.
Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA, articulated the broader vision of “Mumbai in Minutes,” aiming to establish metro commuting as the “gold standard” for urban mobility. This strategic foresight, combined with detailed analysis of commuter travel patterns and congestion trends, ensures that the service augmentation is intuitively aligned with the region’s evolving mobility landscape. This leap forward in operational excellence and passenger-centric planning brings Mumbai closer to its ambitious goals of becoming a truly smart, sustainable, and seamlessly connected metropolis.
Also Read: Indore begins underground Metro construction near airport to boost connectivity
Mumbai Metro Lines 2A/7 increase to 305 daily trips after 3 lakh riders
