Mumbai: Passengers Complain of Mobile Network Blackout on Newly Launched Aarey–Cuffe Parade Metro-3 Bhuyari Route
Mumbai, 11th October 2025: With the inauguration of the Aarey–Cuffe Parade Metro-3 Bhuyari route on Thursday morning by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mumbaikars welcomed a faster, congestion-free mode of travel. On the first day itself, over 1.2 lakh passengers traveled on the 33-km-long corridor, which connects Acharya Atre Chowk to Cuffe Parade.
While commuters praised the metro for reducing travel time and easing traffic woes, many expressed frustration over the complete lack of mobile network coverage along the route. Passengers reported being unable to make calls or send messages via WhatsApp from the moment they entered the stations until they exited.
“This metro route is a boon for daily commuters, but the absence of mobile connectivity is a serious problem,” said Moksh Taunk, a businessman and metro passenger. “Many Mumbaikars work on their phones and laptops while commuting, and losing network for an hour is highly inconvenient.”
Passengers also pointed out that mobile network availability varies by service provider. Vodafone-Idea users reportedly receive signals, but Jio and Airtel customers lose connectivity soon after entering the metro, leading to frustration.
Alam Mohammad, another businessman, raised concerns about safety, saying, “In case of an emergency or an accident, how will passengers communicate without proper network coverage? Mobile phones have become inseparable from daily life, and this network blackout poses risks for office-goers and travelers alike.”
The lack of connectivity also extends beyond the stations. Out of the 11 stations on the third phase of the metro, areas near Churchgate, Hutatma Chowk, Mahalakshmi, and Cuffe Parade reportedly have no bus or taxi services immediately outside, making it difficult for passengers to seek alternate communication.
Commuters are now urging the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) to address the issue promptly and ensure mobile network coverage along the entire metro corridor to provide a seamless travel experience.
