Just days after its grand opening, Mumbai’s newly launched Siddhivinayak Metro Station on Metro Line 3 is experiencing unexpectedly low passenger turnout, reports the Free Press Journal.
On Wednesday around midday, Platform No. 1 at Siddhivinayak station—serving trains heading towards Worli and Acharya Atre Chowk—was notably nearly deserted. This is surprising given the line’s significance as one of Mumbai’s most anticipated infrastructure projects, which was inaugurated with much fanfare on 10 May. The high-profile launch was attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the project, more than a week after the opening, several stations along the new route, including Siddhivinayak, are seeing fewer commuters than expected. One of the major issues hampering passenger convenience is the non-operational ticket vending machine at Siddhivinayak station. Without a functioning facility to purchase tickets, many travellers face difficulties in accessing the metro service.
This problem has seemingly discouraged potential users, contributing to the low footfall observed. Commuters have reported frustrations over the lack of alternative ticket purchasing options, which disrupts the otherwise modern and efficient image of the Mumbai Metro system.
Officials have yet to announce when the ticket vending machine will be fixed, but it remains a crucial factor in encouraging greater ridership on this important new line. The Siddhivinayak Metro Station, positioned in a key area, holds promise to ease Mumbai’s traffic woes, but immediate attention to passenger convenience and service reliability is needed to boost its usage.
As Mumbai’s Metro network continues to expand, addressing such operational issues early on will be vital to ensuring the system’s success and public adoption.
Source: News 18
