Passengers travelling on Mumbai’s underground Metro Line 3, popularly called the Aqua Line, are currently facing a complete mobile network blackout after a major telecom infrastructure contract was cancelled, disrupting connectivity throughout the corridor. The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) recently scrapped its agreement with ACES India, the agency responsible for installing and operating shared telecom systems along the Aarey to Cuffe Parade route. The move came after a prolonged pricing dispute between the company and telecom service providers. As a result, all mobile connectivity has now been lost, including the limited network access that Vodafone Idea and BSNL users previously experienced in certain stretches.
Authorities stated that the contract was terminated because the contractor failed to fulfil its contractual commitments under the agreement. The deal was based on a revenue-sharing model, under which MMRCL was expected to generate approximately ₹24 crore annually. However, ongoing disagreements over tariffs had already delayed the expansion of full mobile coverage, with telecom operators hesitant to participate due to high costs. Some service providers were also considering building independent infrastructure instead of joining the shared system. This lack of consensus ultimately contributed to the breakdown of the arrangement and the eventual discontinuation of services.
Following the cancellation of the contract, there is a possibility that the existing telecom infrastructure installed along the metro corridor may also be removed. In response to the situation, MMRCL is planning to issue a fresh tender to onboard a new infrastructure provider who can restore connectivity services. However, this process is expected to take time, leaving commuters without mobile network access for the foreseeable future. Until a new operator is finalised and infrastructure is re-established, passengers travelling on Metro Line 3 will have to continue dealing with the ongoing connectivity disruption during their journeys.