Mumbai Metro-3 Rolls Out Fare Concession for Passengers with Disabilities
In a significant move towards creating a more inclusive public transport system, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) has officially announced a 25% fare concession for commuters with disabilities on the newly inaugurated Metro-3 line. This initiative, which went live on November 23, aims to make the city's first fully underground metro corridor more accessible to all.
How to Avail the Discount and The Bigger Picture
Eligible passengers can now claim their 25% discount on tickets by using the official ‘MetroConnect 3’ mobile application. This development brings the Metro-3 line in line with other Mumbai Metro corridors, such as Lines 1, 2A, and 7, which already had similar provisions. The MMRC has reiterated its commitment to building an accessible transit system for everyone, including Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
For context, on the Indian Railways network, individuals with a disability certificate of 80% and above are eligible for a 75% fare concession, with their attendants receiving a 50% discount.
Delay and Dissatisfaction: The Other Side of the Story
Despite the positive announcement, the rollout has been met with criticism due to delays and existing infrastructure issues. Activist Deepak Kaitike pointed out that the concession was implemented 20 days after a promised 10-day timeline, leaving many disabled passengers unable to avail the benefit as the ticketing systems were not updated promptly.
Furthermore, Kaitike highlighted a critical ongoing problem: the Metro-3 line, also known as the Aqua Line, is still not fully disability-friendly. He claimed that several lifts at stations remain non-functional, creating significant barriers for wheelchair users and undermining the very goal of an inclusive travel experience.
All About the Landmark Metro-3 Corridor
The 33.5-km-long Metro-3 route is a monumental addition to Mumbai's infrastructure. It is a fully underground line, except for the Aarey JVLR station, connecting Cuffe Parade in South Mumbai to Aarey Colony in the western suburbs.
The corridor boasts 27 stations, providing direct access to major hubs including the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), both domestic (T1) and international (T2) terminals of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), and key interchange points like CSMT, Churchgate, and Dadar. The entire line was inaugurated on 9 October, promising to revolutionize commute in the financial capital.
