Passengers travelling on the Aqua Line Metro, which connects Jogeshwari East to Cuffe Parade, have expressed mixed reactions to the recently launched Wi-Fi services at the concourse level of stations. While the facility is being welcomed for easing the ticket-booking process — especially via UPI — commuters remain concerned about the lack of connectivity inside the underground train sections. The Aqua Line’s Wi-Fi service, provided by Microscan Infocommtech Pvt Ltd, a vendor for MMRC, has enabled passengers to connect their smartphones to the internet and use online payment platforms to purchase tickets.
Booking made easier
For many daily commuters, especially students and office-goers, the ability to pay via UPI has been a welcome relief. “I used to carry a Metro card, but it was frustrating when the balance was low, and I had no option but to make cash payments. Sometimes I run out of cash, and there is no ATM at every station. But now that the Wi-Fi service is available, I can make payments and get my card recharged easily,” said Narendra Gawde, who travels from Dadar to Cuffe Parade. “It just saves so much time.”
But there’s a glitch
However, the service comes with a catch: users are required to download a specific app — MetroConnect3 — to access the Wi-Fi network. For passengers unfamiliar with the app or those hesitant to install yet another application on their devices, this has proved to be a hurdle. “I wasn’t aware I needed to download MetroConnect3 until I asked the Metro staff why the Wi-Fi wasn’t working. There were no clear instructions at the station either,” said Abhishek Mystry, a first-time user of the Aqua Line.
Stating that it would have been easier if the Wi-Fi connection were an open one, Nikita Sharma, who commutes daily between Santacruz and Churchgate, told mid-day, “What’s needed is a public Wi-Fi system akin to that at railway stations, where you just need to sign in instead of downloading an app. Not everyone wishes to download another app when they have multiple ones already.”
Connectivity challenge
Meanwhile, commuters continue to raise serious concerns about the complete lack of internet or mobile network connectivity once they board the train. “Once you leave the concourse and get on the train, it’s a complete blackout. There is no mobile signal, no Wi-Fi, nothing. It feels very isolating. There is no way to connect with any family member in case of emergencies. Also, we cannot attend any office meetings remotely and have to wait at ground level till the meeting ends. I am an outsider, and my family members are always worried whenever I leave for work. I have to ensure that I inform them as soon as I get out of the Metro train so that they are relieved,” said Tina Jain, a PricewaterhouseCoopers employee who travels from Santacruz Metro to Worli daily. Many users have voiced concerns that in case of an emergency, there is no way to contact the outside world. “The inability to make a call or even send a message inside the train makes the commute feel risky,” said Sukumar Keni, who attends a college in South Mumbai. “Even though we now have Wi-Fi at the ticketing level, what’s the use if we can’t use it during the journey?”
WhatsApp woes
Even at the concourse level, where Wi-Fi is supposed to function, several passengers claimed essential services such as WhatsApp calls or other internet-based communication platforms don’t work reliably, a claim confirmed by this reporter. “I was connected to the Wi-Fi, but my WhatsApp call didn’t go through. It kept disconnecting or failing to connect entirely,” said Jyoti Sharma, a commuter at the Jagannath Shankar Sheth Metro station. “That’s not true Wi-Fi access — especially when voice calling over data is such a basic need today.”
ATM availability
As mid-day travelled via the Aqua Line on Wednesday, it was observed ATMs were being installed at certain stations. Engineers at these spots mentioned that commuters could start withdrawing money within a couple of days. “It’s good that the machines are being installed. Because sometimes all that helps you in a situation are traditional ways of payment,” said Jain.
What works and what does not
>> Vi postpaid network works between Aarey JVLR and Worli Metro stations
>> Vi prepaid network, however, does not work even in that stretch
>> No other networks work on the entire stretch
>> Vi postpaid does not work between Acharya Atre Chowk and Cuffe Parade Metro stations
How to use the Wi-Fi
>> Install the MetroConnect3 application on your phone before entering any Metro station on the Aqua Line
>> Register yourself by entering your details such as name, email address, and phone number
>> Switch on your W-Fi option on the phone and select ‘MetroConnect3’
>> Open the Metroconnect3 app, go to profile, and tap on ‘Connect to Wi-Fi’ option
>> Once connected, you can buy a ticket using a vending machine or by making a UPI payment at the ticket counter
