Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the final phase of Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line), commuters are grappling with a major inconvenience — a complete lack of mobile network connectivity across key underground stations on the newly opened stretch.

The issue, first highlighted by the Free Press Journal, has frustrated thousands of passengers, particularly between Acharya Atre Chowk and Cuffe Parade, where users report zero cellular signal, making it impossible to make calls, send messages, or complete digital UPI payments.

Since the launch, Line 3’s daily ridership has exceeded 150,000, yet the network dead zones have emerged as a persistent problem. “We’re trying our best. BSNL has been onboarded and is expected to provide connectivity soon,” said Ashwini Bhide, Managing Director of the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC).

For many commuters, however, the lack of signal has turned what was meant to be a state-of-the-art metro line into a daily hassle.

“I rely entirely on UPI and didn’t carry cash. I had to step out and find an ATM just to buy a ticket,” said Manoj Shinde, an accountant from South Mumbai. “In this age, it’s unacceptable not to have mobile connectivity in a city like Mumbai.”

Another commuter, Vineeta Singh, expressed similar frustration. “It’s ironic that we’re encouraged to go cashless, yet the system forces us to carry cash. I had to rush up to street level just to break a Rs 500 note,” she said.

While MMRC has introduced free Wi-Fi at underground stations to ease the situation, passengers report that the service is highly unreliable. Many complain that their devices fail to detect the Wi-Fi or cannot complete the mandatory OTP login, which itself requires a mobile signal.

“I always ensure my UPI app’s QR scanner is open before entering the station. Otherwise, I’d have to climb back up for signal. The Wi-Fi is patchy and the OTP system doesn’t work without a network — it’s a dead end,” said Kunal Sharma, a regular commuter.

Frequent traveller Suhasini Deshpande, who commutes between Worli and Vidhan Bhavan, described the experience vividly: “As soon as the train stops at a South Mumbai station, everyone rushes to check their phones, because the moment it starts moving, the signal vanishes.”

The lack of connectivity has affected calls, data access, and digital payments across all major telecom operators, disrupting essential services of modern urban life.

According to MMRC sources, BSNL users are likely to start receiving coverage soon in the new phase. However, private telecom operators have yet to finalise their network integration plans with MMRC, meaning users of other carriers may have to wait longer for uninterrupted mobile service.