Mumbai Metro Line 3: Cleaning Staff Seen Without PPE, Raises Worker Safety Concerns

A recent post on social media has sparked attention toward worker safety practices on Mumbai’s ambitious Metro Line 3, also known as the Aqua Line. The issue has triggered a broader discussion about the working conditions faced by frontline staff involved in the project. Shared on X (formerly Twitter), the post pointed out a stark contrast between the massive investment in the metro corridor, estimated at ₹37,000 crore, and the apparent lack of basic safety provisions for some workers. The user raised concerns after observing individuals performing duties without essential protective items such as gloves and personal protective equipment, urging authorities to ensure proper safety kits are provided at all times.

The conversation gained momentum after a video surfaced online showing a woman carrying out cleaning work at a metro station without visible protective gear while mopping the floor. Even if such incidents are not widespread, they underline the need for uniform safety standards across all operational levels. Workers involved in sanitation and maintenance are particularly vulnerable, making it crucial for authorities to prioritise their protection. Large infrastructure ventures like Metro Line 3 are often regarded as symbols of modern urban progress, and therefore, maintaining high standards of worker welfare should be considered equally important to their development and execution.

₹37,000 crore on the Aqua Line.
World-class metro.

But basic worker safety? Missing.

No gloves. No PPE.
Cleaning stairs with bare hands.

This isn’t oversight.
It’s neglect.@MumbaiMetro3 please give your workers PPE kits!! pic.twitter.com/Kck2bCkGjO

— Public Pulse (@public_pulseIN) April 12, 2026

This discussion comes at a time when the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation announced a significant achievement for its fully underground Metro Line 3, which has surpassed 4 crore passengers in April 2026. The milestone reflects the growing acceptance of the metro system among commuters in the city. Spanning 33.5 kilometres, the corridor is Mumbai’s first entirely underground metro line and has witnessed rapid growth since its phased introduction. After the launch of its initial stretch between Aarey and Bandra-Kurla Complex in late 2024, the project reached its first 1 crore ridership mark by August 2025, marking a strong start to its operations.

Further expansions, including the extension up to Acharya Atre Chowk and the complete commissioning till Cuffe Parade in October 2025, played a crucial role in boosting passenger numbers. With improved connectivity, more residents began opting for the metro as an alternative to traffic-clogged roads and crowded suburban train services. Official figures indicate that ridership surged after the initial phase, with the second and third crore passengers added within a short span, eventually pushing the total to 4 crore within months. The corridor’s success is largely attributed to its seamless links between key commercial hubs such as Bandra-Kurla Complex and SEEPZ, along with important residential and business areas in South Mumbai.

Despite this impressive growth and its positioning as a world-class transport network, the concerns raised through the recent social media post highlight critical gaps in worker safety practices. As the metro network continues to expand and cater to millions of daily commuters, ensuring proper safety measures for all employees must remain a top priority. Addressing these issues will not only improve working conditions but also reinforce the credibility of such large-scale urban infrastructure projects, where the well-being of workers is just as important as operational efficiency and commuter convenience.