Mumbai Metro-3 Passengers Experience Mobile Network Disruption After Contract Termination
Passengers on certain sections of Mumbai's Metro-3 corridor began experiencing a complete loss of mobile network connectivity on Friday, following the termination of a contract by the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL). The existing patchy network, which was already limited, has now vanished in parts of the underground line.
Contract Termination and Infrastructure Issues
MMRCL terminated the contract of a third-party company that had set up the telecom infrastructure across all underground stations and tunnels of the 35.5km line. According to an MMRCL spokesperson, the contractor failed to fulfil its contractual obligations. The corporation plans to float a fresh tender to appoint a new service provider.
Efforts are underway to restore seamless mobile connectivity across the corridor at the earliest, the spokesperson said, though no specific timeline was provided for full service resumption.
Telecom Operators and Network Coverage
Previously, Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel had link presence across the entire line, while Vodafone Idea and BSNL provided intermittent coverage between Aarey JVLR in Goregaon and Acharya Atre Chowk in Worli. The shared telecom system was installed by Saudi Arabia-based firm ACES India.
Ongoing Dispute Over Deployment Model
The contract termination comes amid an ongoing tussle between MMRCL and telecom operators. The Cellular Operators Association of India, representing Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea, had opposed MMRCL's decision to adopt a vendor-led model through an infrastructure provider for deploying telecom equipment.
Operators argued that allowing an infrastructure provider to install active telecom equipment violated provisions of the Telecommunications Act, 2023. They had proposed setting up a common in-building solution network at their own cost, but MMRCL rejected this proposal and proceeded with its own tender while denying 'right of way' permissions.
Impact on Passengers and Digital Services
Daily passengers reported that the lack of connectivity affects not just communication but also app-based ticketing, digital payments, and real-time travel updates. Experts noted that seamless mobile connectivity is now a basic commuter expectation, especially on long underground stretches, and its absence significantly impacts communication, digital services, and overall commuter experience.
Safety Measures Remain Operational
Authorities maintained that passenger safety remains unaffected by the network disruption. MMRCL clarified that all critical systems, including dedicated emergency communication facilities inside trains and across stations, are fully operational.
"Passenger safety is not compromised despite the lack of public mobile network access," the spokesperson emphasized.
The situation highlights the growing importance of reliable mobile connectivity in urban transit systems and the challenges in balancing regulatory compliance with infrastructure development.
