Mumbai: Mumbai’s first fully underground Metro corridor, Metro Line 3, is facing disruptions in mobile connectivity due to a standoff with telecom service providers.
The issue stems from the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL)’s decision to implement a shared In-Building Solution (IBS) model. Under this system, a single vendor installs and manages the telecom infrastructure across all stations, allowing multiple network operators to use the same setup. In March 2024, ACES was selected as the neutral host through a bidding process and installed the necessary systems at all 16 operational stations.
However, telecom operators have declined to join the shared network, citing that the proposed commercial terms are not viable. They instead offered to provide free services using their own equipment until a final agreement was reached — a proposal that MMRCL has rejected, according to sources.
As a result, most telecom services in Metro 3 stations have been suspended, leaving commuters unable to make calls, access mobile internet, or complete UPI transactions. Currently, only Vodafone has resumed services on the line, while MMRCL continues communication with other providers.
To ease the inconvenience, MMRCL is temporarily offering free Wi-Fi at the concourse level to facilitate ticket bookings.
Metro Line 3, which initially operated between Aarey and Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), recently extended service up to Acharya Atre Chowk in Worli. Full operations to Cuffe Parade are expected to begin by August, according to an announcement by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
