While the Mumbai Metro Aqua Line is now fully operational, commuters alighting at its terminal station — Aarey–JVLR — are facing major inconvenience during evening peak hours. The area outside the station is poorly lit, and with limited access to public transport, passengers are often left waiting up to 45 minutes to get home.
On the first day of the full line’s opening, mid-day visited the Aarey–JVLR Metro station and found several commuters stranded outside, waiting for autos, cabs, or buses. To reach the main Jogeshwari–Vikhroli Link Road (JVLR), passengers must walk through a dimly lit stretch.
Poorly lit exits outside the Aarey-JVLR Metro station
Commuters speak
“Aqua Line is very comfortable, but getting to and from the station is a nightmare,” said Deepti Agrawal, a JVLR resident. “You end up waiting 30 to 60 minutes just to get an auto or cab. Unless this issue is fixed, many won’t prefer the Metro for daily travel.”
Rashmi Kanekar, a resident of Oberoi Splendour, said, “The Metro ride from JVLR to Acharya Atre is quick and smooth. But getting a rickshaw or Uber from Aarey–JVLR to home can be frustrating.”
Abhishek Patil, Yuva Sena (UBT) member and JVLR resident, pointed out safety lapses. “The area outside the station is dark and chaotic. We urgently need a pedestrian signal or a foot overbridge for safe crossing. There’s no proper parking either — two-wheelers are parked haphazardly. Poor lighting also makes women vulnerable to theft or harassment.”
Commuters wait on the road for transport outside the Aarey–JVLR Metro station
Daily commuter Nishta Mehta agreed, “Getting an auto from Aarey–JVLR is a task. Unless one is waiting right outside the station, it’s at least a half-hour wait.” Another commuter added, “I have to book a cab before boarding the Metro, otherwise I’m stranded. And when rides get cancelled, it’s pitch dark — auto drivers can’t even see us.” Rathin Chakravarti, visiting the station for the first time, said, “It’s shocking. Inside, the Metro looks world-class, but step outside and it’s complete chaos — no streetlights, no proper auto stand.”
Samyukta Roy, another regular commuter, echoed the sentiment. “After a long day, all we want is a quick ride home. But instead, we wait endlessly because there’s no organised pick-up point or auto stand.”
Nitya Dwivedi, a Malad resident, added, “We’re forced to rely on app-based cabs or autos that accept rides by chance. The poor lighting is worrying, though the crowd at 8 pm gives some sense of safety.”
Several women, commuters with luggage, and senior citizens were seen struggling to reach the main road, weaving through a jammed service lane just to find a ride.
OCT 8
Day Metro was inaugurated
45 mins
Time passengers have to wait to find transport
Metro gets paan initiation on Day 2
Barely a day after Mumbai’s brand-new Aqua Line Metro 3 became fully operational, commuters have begun defacing the system, leaving behind paan stains, food wrappers, and spit marks.
At CSMT station, where the subway entry connects directly to the Metro, heaps of litter were spotted on Thursday, turning the sleek new corridor into a sorry sight. “We had hoped people would treat this world-class infrastructure with care,” said a Metro staffer on duty at CSMT. “Instead, on just Day 2, we’re already seeing stains and litter.” A commuter said, “It’s disheartening to see people disrespecting something meant for public convenience,” he said.
Officials said security teams have been instructed to intensify vigilance and are considering fines if commuters. Metro security staff have also begun confiscating lighters, matchboxes, inflammable materials before entry.
Rajendra B Aklekar
