Last Updated:
Mumbai Metro 3 Cuffe Parade-Aarey Mobile Network Drop: Some hail no Internet as “digital detox”, others call it a reminder of the “spirit of Mumbai” coating over the glitch
Mumbai Metro-3 is now running along the full route from Cuffe Parade to Aarey.
While Mumbai Metro-3, which recently started running along the full route from Aarey to Cuffe Parade, started a free WiFi service for commuters, the loss of mobile network coverage still remains an issue.
Some are hailing the “digital detox moment”, others are calling it a glitch and a reminder of the “spirit of Mumbai” coating over the failure. News18 delves deeper.
MUMBAI METRO-3 AND FREE WIFI
Mumbai Metro-3 is the city’s first underground line and has 27 stations — Cuffe Parade, Vidhan Bhavan, Churchgate, Hutatma Chowk (Fort), CSMT (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus), Kalbadevi, Girgaon, Grant Road, Mumbai Central, Mahalaxmi, Science Museum (Worli), Worli, Siddhivinayak, Dadar, Shitaladevi Temple, Dharavi, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Vidyanagari, Santacruz, CSIA Domestic Airport (T1), CSIA International Airport (T2), Marol Naka, MIDC, SEEPZ, Marol, Aarey Colony, Aarey Depot (JVLR terminus). The Cuffe Parade to Worli stretch became operational recently.
Within days, the commuters started to complain about the loss of mobile network and the consequent hassles in ticketing.
As a solution, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation started the free WiFi service to provide convenient travel for passengers and promote digital ticket purchasing through the new ‘MetroConnect3’ app.
How to connect to Mumbai Metro-3’s free WiFi?
You can connect to the free WiFi in three easy steps:
1. Download the ‘MetroConnect3’ app and log in before entering the station. The QR code to download the app is in the Instagram link below.
2. Go to your mobile’s WiFi settings and select the MetroConnect3 network.
3. Open the mobile app, go to Profile, select ‘Connect to Wi-Fi’ and avail full internet access. It includes Wi-Fi Calling, WhatsApp Chat and calling, full Internet access, etc.
Where is the service available on Mumbai Metro-3?
This service is available at the concourse level, near the ticket window, where you can connect immediately while preparing for your journey.
The MMRC has urged passengers to make the most of this free WiFi service.
To get tickets, commuters can also use the Mumbai One app or WhatsApp (Send Hi on this number +91 98730 16836), station counters, ticket vending machines, MetroConnect3 app, or QR tickets, RuPay National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) or Mumbai 1 card.
IF THERE’S FREE WIFI, WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?
The problem, commuters say, is the WiFi doesn’t ensure smooth streaming or loading. Many are pleased with the time they now get to read or sketch.
No Internet is good, say some Metro-3 users
“No more uncles swiping their reels on full volume,” said a Netizen. “Maybe a good time to communicate with yr fellow commuters. Just like the good old local train days,” said another. “Yes me too I have started reading a book,” said one Net user.
“Me sukoon ke liye jata hun…bahut sukoon milta hai 20 minutes…na network na mobile,” added another. “Yeah it is awesome….. people interact while traveling instead of scrolling,” said one user. “Fact: most of the New York subways don’t have phone network,” said a user.
Even researches have said that digital detox, though forced in this case, is good. A meta-analysis found that interventions reducing screen/social media use significantly reduced depression symptoms (standardised mean difference ≈ –0.29) though effects on other outcomes were weaker. Some studies suggest that by taking breaks from devices, people feel more present, engage more with offline life, and experience less fragmentation of attention.
Can’t force digital detox, what about emergencies, ask others
Mumbai Metro-3 users, however, highlighted how it could be a problem in case of emergencies.
“Commuters using underground Mumbai Metro Aqua Line 3 do need mobile connectivity for emergency use. It is so sad that the pvt mobile operators are dictating to govt. this is where we miss,” said a user.
Many, also, questioned, the infrastructure gap. “Like a famine is a chance to slim down, a drought can make you experience your body’s undiluted smell, poverty is a chance to cherish simplicity…and not knowing which exit to choose makes you fitter…,” said one user. “Kuch bhi u don’t have boosters/connectivity and saying digital detox,” said one. “New way to defend incompetency,” said a netizen. While one called it a “silly justification”, another said it was a reminder of the “Spirit of Mumbai”, where people returning to work after monsoon mayhem or bomb blasts is hailed, instead of focussing on the problem which put them through the trouble.
At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing special copies …Read More
At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing special copies … Read More
October 28, 2025, 13:51 IST
Read More