Mumbai: The temporary suspension of services on Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line) following heavy rainfall and waterlogging at Acharya Atre Chowk has triggered public outrage and serious questions about construction quality and safety preparedness.
A city docto Dr Sandeep Rane said "it is shocking that a project in which hundreds of crores of public money is involved was carried out in such a shoddy manner. I am going to file a PIL to make the metro rail officials accountable."
RTI activist Anil Galgali has demanded that the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRC) hold both officials and contractors accountable for the incident, which left commuters stranded and exposed critical flaws in the newly launched underground corridor.
According to Galgali, “The planning failed to account for the impact of heavy monsoon rains, resulting in inadequate drainage systems. The fact that rainwater entered the station premises proves that waterproofing measures were ineffective. The suspension of services just days after inauguration reflects poor maintenance and lack of preparedness.”
The flooding incident, which occurred after Mumbai's first major rainfall of the season, has raised alarm over the metro line’s monsoon readiness and the effectiveness of its safety infrastructure. Commuters reported water entering the concourse and platform areas, prompting MMRC to suspend train services between Worli and Acharya Atre Chowk as a precaution.
Galgali further stated that the situation “raises critical questions about construction quality, oversight, and the use of public funds in the Metro project.” He urged MMRC to take disciplinary action against the responsible officials and to recover damages from the contractors involved.
As MMRC continues remedial work and assessments at the affected sites, public scrutiny over the handling of the ambitious Metro Line 3 project continues to intensify.
