Mumbai Metro 1 short-loop trains prompt Versova commuter petition

Metro 1 now alternates Ghatkopar–Andheri short-loop trains with full-route Ghatkopar–Versova services between 6.23pm and 8.24pm, requiring passengers travelling beyond Andheri to change trains.

Mumbai Metro One Pvt Ltd (MMOPL) introduced the pattern on August 10. The operator said more than 85% of its passengers travel on the Ghatkopar–Andheri section. It said the change reduced peak-hour waiting time on that stretch from 3 minutes 20 seconds to about three minutes, while adding more than 20% carrying capacity, or roughly 28,000 commuters. Weekday services increased from 476 to 484 trips.

Commuters travelling towards Versova, Azad Nagar and DN Nagar have started an online petition seeking a change to the arrangement. They say the short-loop services require an interchange at Andheri and can increase congestion there. Dhaval Shah of the Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizens’ Association said commuters have asked MMOPL to increase train length from four to six coaches instead.

MMOPL said it is monitoring passenger movement, platform crowding and train occupancy, and will review the service pattern using commuter feedback and operational data.