By Admin 
Mumbai metro aqua line: The second phase of the much awaited underground Aqua Line (Line-3) of Mumbai Metro began on 9 May. This metro has now opened for travelers from Aare JVLR to Acharya Atre Chowk of Varli. However, a few days after the start of the metro, the network problem has increased the problem of passengers.
The mobile network suddenly disappeared on the metro route late on Wednesday, causing a lot of problems to the passengers. Messages like ‘No Network’, ‘Call Feld’ and ‘No Service’ are still visible on the phone inside the metro.
The services of major telecom companies like Vodafone-Idea, Airtel and Jio are completely disrupted in the underground section. Some people believe that this problem is temporary due to recent expansion, while others are connecting it with the ongoing tussle between Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) and telecom companies.
Passengers’ difficulties increased
Many passengers said that as soon as they enter underground stations, the mobile network completely stops and returns the network only when it exits the station. Due to this, there are problems in digital ticketing. Passengers are now forced to take a screenshot of QR code or are resorting to offline ticketing. Notices have now been imposed at metro stations, in which passengers are already advised to take tickets.
Know what is the real reason for controversy?
There is a controversy over providing telecom network in the underground part of the Aqua line. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) says that Vodafone, Jio and Airtel jointly offered to install in-beding solution (IBS) for free, but MMRCL refused to give them the right of way. MMRCL says that they are implementing a neutral telecom infrastructure via public tender, as has been done in other major metro and airports in the country.
What did MMRCL say?
In a statement issued by MMRCL, to ensure mobile connectivity inside underground stations to passengers, Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) appointed a neutral infrastructure provider through an open tender process in March 2024. Selected sellers, Aces, have the required licenses to install neutral infrastructure and already installed equipment according to the requirements of telecom companies to facilitate mobile coverage at 16 current metro line 3 stations.
However, on 13 May 2025, VI and Airtel suddenly shut down their services from all the current stations of Metro Line 3 without any prior notice, which completely stalled mobile connectivity to the passengers. Only the service of Jio is operational at the Seepz station, as it has installed his equipment only there.
VI was the first telecom company to install active equipment there in October 2024 with the operation of Rich 1. After this, he also started services at six stations of Rich 2A, which started in May 2025. Airtel also provided connectivity at Rich 1 stations, but it has not yet installed equipment at Rich 2A stations. This sudden steps taken by telecom companies have caused heavy inconvenience to thousands of daily travelers and are obstructing the smooth operation of metro services.
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