October 21, 2025: Weeks after the inauguration of Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Colaba–Bandra–SEEPZ), commuters continue to face weak or no mobile network connectivity, especially in underground sections, despite the necessary infrastructure being in place. According to The Indian Express, the issue stems from ongoing commercial disagreements between telecom operators, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL), and ACES India Private Limited, the company contracted to provide In-Building Solutions (IBS) across stations and tunnels.
MMRCL had awarded ACES the contract to create a neutral IBS network usable by all telecom providers. However, operators including Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (Vi) have raised objections to the charges proposed by ACES, terming them commercially unviable. “The contract to lay and provide Neutral infrastructure (IBS) that can be used by all telecom entities was given to a third party who has the licence from DoT [Department of Telecommunications] to provide such services,” an MMRC official told The Indian Express. The official added that while the IBS network offers 95% coverage, “Vodafone Idea (Vi) and Airtel have connected to a few Metro stations using this infrastructure… however, Airtel has disconnected from all Metro stations without notice.”
A Vi spokesperson confirmed, “Vi network is fully operational on Mumbai Metro Line 3 – Aqua Line Phase 1 from Aarey Colony to BKC and Phase 2A from BKC to Acharya Atre Chowk… efforts are currently underway to extend coverage to the final stretch.”
Meanwhile, a Jio spokesperson stated, “Engaging such third-party networks would not be economically viable when we can establish our own infrastructure at a fraction of the cost… we are awaiting necessary permissions from Mumbai Metro to proceed with building our own network.”
Until these commercial and coordination hurdles are resolved, Metro Line 3 commuters are likely to continue struggling with unreliable mobile connectivity underground.
Source: Financial Express
