Mumbai Metro Line 3 services disrupted twice in one day due to technical glitches

Empty platforms at CSMT Metro station on Friday afternoon after repeated Aqua Line technical snags disrupted services and stranded commuters across the corridor. Pics/Ashish Raje

Mumbai Metro's Aqua Line 3 services were disrupted twice on Friday due to technical issues, leaving hundreds of commuters stranded inside packed underground trains and stations during peak office hours.

First glitch

The first disruption occurred between 8.15 am and 8.30 am after a train heading towards Cuffe Parade reportedly developed a technical snag mid-route, affecting services for nearly an hour.

Second glitch

A second glitch later in the afternoon again disrupted services, causing fresh delays and confusion among commuters.

Complaints

Passengers complained of overcrowding, lack of updates, no mobile network connectivity inside tunnels and difficulties arranging alternate transport.

Timeline of disruption

Morning snag
>> 8.15 am - 8.30 am: Technical issue reported
>> Train towards Cuffe Parade stranded midway
>> Services were affected for nearly an hour

Afternoon snag
>> 12.30 pm - 12.40 pm: Second technical issue reported
>> Services suspended again for 30-35 minutes

Service update
>> 2.23 pm: Services resumed, according to commuters

What commuters faced

Key complaints
>> Trains are stranded underground
>> Overcrowded platforms and coaches
>> No real-time updates on delays
>> No mobile network connectivity inside tunnels
>> Difficulty booking cabs after exiting stations
>> Lack of clarity on refunds

Commuters speak

Rohan Chavan, commuter posted on X
‘Waited at station with no updates. Finally boarded a jam-packed train. Just before Worli, it stopped. Mid-tunnel. Underground. No network'

Another commuter, wrote on X
‘What about the refund of the ticket if not travelling'

Suhashini Gavai, commuter
‘Stranded commuters had no phone network to inform families or offices'

Mangala Sardar, commuter
We had to book a cab as we did not want to risk getting stuck without network connectivity'

What MMRCL said

Morning statement
‘Due to a technical issue, train services on both downline and upline routes experienced delays earlier today. The fault has since been rectified'

Afternoon advisory
‘A technical snag has been reported on the Aqua Line. Train services on both Up and Down lines are affected, and passengers may experience delays'