Mumbai Metro Line 3 Boosts Weekday Services to 292 Trains, Saturday Operations Rise to 236

In a major relief for daily commuters, Mumbai Metro Line 3, popularly known as the Aqua Line, will increase the number of train services from January 5, 2026, in an effort to reduce overcrowding and improve travel convenience. The announcement was made by the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC), which operates the city’s first fully underground metro corridor.

More Trains on Weekdays and Saturdays

As per the revised timetable, the number of daily train trips on Monday to Friday will rise from 265 to 292 services, offering commuters more frequent options throughout the day. On Saturdays, services will be increased from 209 to 236 trains.

The Sunday schedule will remain unchanged, with 198 trains continuing to operate as before. Officials said the changes have been carefully planned to match passenger demand patterns, especially during peak travel hours.

Aqua Line’s Crucial North–South Connectivity

Metro Line 3 plays a key role in Mumbai’s transport network by connecting major parts of the city from Aarey JVLR in the western suburbs to Cuffe Parade in South Mumbai. The 33.5-kilometre-long underground corridor has 27 stations, most of them located below ground, and passes through key commercial and employment hubs.

Important locations served by the Aqua Line include Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), one of the city’s biggest business districts, along with several residential and commercial zones across central and south Mumbai.

How the Increased Services Will Benefit Commuters

The addition of more trains is expected to:

• Reduce crowding during peak hours
• Shorten waiting times at stations
• Ease pressure on Mumbai’s overcrowded local trains
• Encourage more commuters to shift from road transport to the metro

MMRC officials said the move is part of broader efforts to make public transport more reliable, comfortable, and time-efficient for Mumbai’s growing population.

Advisory for Regular Metro Users

Regular passengers travelling on Metro Line 3 have been advised to check the updated schedule and plan their journeys accordingly to make the best use of the increased frequency. The revised operations are aimed at improving the daily commute experience while strengthening Mumbai’s metro network.

With rising ridership and expanding connectivity, Metro Line 3 continues to emerge as a critical backbone of the city’s urban mobility system.