An independent audit by the Moneylife Foundation has identified several accessibility challenges across <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/vi-expands-mobile-network-coverage-across-entire-mumbai-metro-aqua-line-3-till-cuffe-parade-23635757" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Mumbai Metro Aqua Line 3</a>, raising concerns about station exits, escalators and last-mile connectivity.
The study covered all 27 stations on the line, assessed 144 station exits and included feedback from more than 300 commuters.
According to the report, commuters using a station exit have to climb an average of 83 steps. Of the 137 functional exits surveyed, only 39 per cent provide complete step-free access. Another 51 per cent offer only partial accessibility, while 10 per cent rely entirely on stairs.
<h2>Some station exits have nearly 100 steps</h2>
The report found that some station exits require significantly more climbing than others.
The B1 exit at SEEPZ has the highest number of steps at 98. This is followed by the A5 exit at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) with 85 steps, the B1 exit at BKC with 80 steps and the A2 exit at Girgaon with 80 steps.
The report states these exits can be particularly difficult for elderly passengers, people with disabilities, parents with prams and <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mumbai-metro-updates-over-365-000-passenger-journeys-mark-new-record-for-maha-mumbai-metro-during-mumbai-monsoon-23639174" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">travellers carrying luggage</a>.
<h2>Escalators mainly operate in one direction</h2>
The audit also examined escalator facilities across the metro line.
Of the 96 exits fitted with escalators, 69 have escalators that only travel upwards. Only 26 exits have escalators operating in both directions.
According to the report, there is only one downward-only escalator across the entire network, located at Mahalaxmi station.
As a result, many passengers still need to use stairs when leaving stations.
<h2>Last-mile connectivity remains a major concern</h2>
The report states that more than 60 per cent of station exits present some form of accessibility barrier for commuters who cannot use stairs.
More than 75 per cent of commuters surveyed rated <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/last-mile-connectivity-in-mumbai-needs-multi-agency-says-former-best-official-23637753" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">last-mile connectivity</a> as average, poor or very poor.
Passengers highlighted limited BEST bus connections, empty auto-rickshaw stands and inadequate signage directing them to buses, suburban railway stations and other transport options.
The report also pointed to difficulties at airport stations, where passengers may have to walk more than 500 steps to reach terminals. It noted that luggage trolleys are located around 200 steps away from station exits and that signage at Terminal 2 could be improved.
<h2>Recommendations for improving accessibility</h2>
The Moneylife Foundation has recommended several measures to improve commuter convenience and accessibility.
These include installing more downward and two-way escalators, introducing Metro-BEST feeder bus services, providing exit-level accessibility maps and building subways or skywalks to improve connections with Mumbai's suburban railway network.
The report also notes that <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mumbai-metro-records-highest-ever-daily-ridership-of-3-58-lakh-amid-heavy-rainfall-23636690" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">daily ridership on Aqua Line 3</a> currently stands at around 1.5 to 2 lakh passenger journeys, compared with the projected daily ridership of 13.87 lakh.
<h2>Mumbai Metro responds to the findings</h2>
Mumbai Metro Aqua Line 3 said it has not yet received the complete report and that it would be premature to comment on its detailed findings.
The metro operator said stations were designed with a suitable combination of lifts and escalators based on the physical conditions at each location. It explained that installing two escalators at every entrance and exit is not always possible because of space limitations both above and below ground.
However, the operator said additional escalators could be considered in the future wherever feasible.
It also stated that every station has at least two lifts to ensure accessibility for wheelchair users.
While acknowledging that changes to built infrastructure can be difficult, the operator said <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mumbai-metro-aqua-line-disruption-turns-12-minute-commute-into-two-hour-nightmare-23631794" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">operational improvements and revised scheduling could further enhance accessibility</a>.
It added that work to improve multimodal connectivity is already under way in coordination with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), BEST and other stakeholders.

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The Mumbai Metro Aqua Line 3 operator said stations are designed with a suitable combination of lifts and escalators based on the physical conditions at each location

Mumbai Metro Aqua Line 3 needs better step-free access, says report; officials respond

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