Archive · 5 Jan 2026
Mumbai Metro Line 3 Faces Network Blackout
The Mumbai Metro Line 3, also known as the Aqua Line, has been facing a network blackout since it opened in October 2025.
Only Vodafone Idea and BSNL offer limited connectivity, while Jio and Airtel users experience outages.
The problem stems from a disagreement between the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRCL) and telecom companies over the cost of setting up telecom infrastructure.
MMRCL argues that the rates are reasonable to cover infrastructure and maintenance costs, while telecom companies find the rates too high and believe they should be treated as an essential utility, not a revenue source.
The dispute has led to a stalemate, leaving commuters without network access in the underground stations and tunnels.
This situation has raised concerns about emergency situations and passenger convenience.
Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line) has been experiencing a network blackout since its opening on October 8, 2025.
Only Vodafone Idea and BSNL offer limited connectivity, while Jio and Airtel users face complete outages in underground stations and tunnels.
The dispute arises from the cost of telecom infrastructure, with MMRCL and the third-party vendor, ACES India Private Limited, demanding higher rates than what telecom companies find reasonable.
MMRCL views telecom services as a revenue-generating avenue, while telecom companies argue it should be treated as an essential utility.
The stalemate has left commuters without network access, raising concerns about emergency situations and passenger convenience.
- Who
- Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRCL) and Telecom Service Providers (TSPs)
- What
- Network blackout on Mumbai Metro Line 3 due to a dispute over infrastructure costs and Right of Way (RoW) permissions
- When
- Ongoing since the line's opening on October 8, 2025
- Where
- Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Aarey JVLR to Cuffe Parade)
- Why
- Disagreement over the cost of telecom infrastructure and the treatment of telecom services as a revenue source versus an essential utility
Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRCL)
Telecom Service Providers (TSPs)
Cost of Infrastructure
Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRCL)
MMRCL argues that the rates demanded by the third-party vendor, ACES India Private Limited, are reasonable and necessary to cover infrastructure, maintenance, and charges committed to MMRCL.
Telecom Service Providers (TSPs)
TSPs claim the rates are monopolistic and extortionate, and setting up their own infrastructure would be cheaper.
Purpose of Telecom Services
Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRCL)
MMRCL views telecom services as a revenue-generating avenue essential for non-fare box revenue, which helps keep fares low and reduce dependence on government funding.
Telecom Service Providers (TSPs)
TSPs argue that telecom connectivity should be treated as an essential utility and public digital infrastructure, not a revenue source.
Right of Way (RoW) Permissions
Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRCL)
MMRCL is reluctant to grant RoW permissions to TSPs for laying their own network infrastructure, citing operational constraints and existing contracts.
Telecom Service Providers (TSPs)
TSPs insist that MMRCL cannot deny RoW permissions as per the Telecommunications Act, 2023, and global best practices discourage monetization of essential telecom infrastructure.
- Line Name
- Aqua Line (Mumbai Metro Line 3)
- Route
- Aarey JVLR to Cuffe Parade
- Operational Since
- October 8, 2025
- Current Network Coverage
- Vodafone Idea (Vi) and BSNL offer limited connectivity; Jio and Airtel users face outages
- Third-Party Vendor
- ACES India Private Limited
- Contract Duration
- 12 years (awarded in 2023)
- Disputed Rates
- ACES demands Rs 5.5 lakh per station; TSPs estimate Rs 39,000 per station per month
- Passenger Count (Oct 2025)
- 3.86 million
