The newly inaugurated second phase of Mumbai Metro Line 3, stretching from Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) to Acharya Atre Chowk in Worli, witnessed a significant uptick in commuter traffic over the weekend. According to official data, 32,725 passengers travelled on the Aqua Line from Aarey JVLR to Acharya Atre Chowk by 8:00 PM on Sunday — a notable increase of nearly 6,000 riders compared to Saturday’s figure of 26,758 during the same time window.

The rise in ridership coincides with the opening of the line's second phase on Saturday, marking a major milestone in the city’s transit infrastructure. The extension allows for seamless north-south connectivity, enabling commuters to travel directly from Aarey to Worli without the need for transfers — a first for Mumbai’s previously fragmented suburban rail system.

Transport officials anticipate further growth in passenger numbers in the coming days as more commuters become aware of the new direct route. The enhanced connectivity is expected to reduce travel time significantly and ease congestion on parallel road and rail corridors.