Mumbai Metro Aqua Line disruption turns 12-minute commute into two-hour nightmare

Commuters wait for delayed Aqua Line services at Marol Naka station amid prolonged disruptions and lack of updates from Metro authorities. Pic/Tarun Verma

What should have been a 12-minute Mumbai Metro Aqua Line ride from Marol Naka to BKC turned into a nearly two-hour ordeal on Friday, leaving commuters trapped inside stalled underground coaches with little information from authorities.

Passengers reported repeated halts, confusion over service restoration announcements, and mounting panic inside packed air-conditioned compartments, with several commuters complaining of claustrophobia and distress.

Major commuter complaints

Communication breakdown

>> No clear explanation for delays
>> No updates after "service restored" announcement
>> Metro staff allegedly unaware of the exact issue
>> Passengers using the emergency communication system received vague responses
>> No mobile network inside underground stations and coaches
>> Passengers unable to contact families or arrange alternate transport

Panic inside coaches

>> Packed compartments during prolonged halts
>> Several commuters reported claustrophobia and anxiety
>> Passengers stranded inside sealed AC coaches for extended periods