Mumbai Metro 1 to add short-loop trains during evening peak hours

Mumbai Metro One will introduce mixed-loop operations on Metro Line 1 from August 10 to reduce train headway during evening peak hours and handle heavy passenger crowds.

Under the new arrangement, short-loop trains running only between Andheri and Ghatkopar will alternate with full-loop trains travelling across the entire Versova-Ghatkopar route during the evening peak period, reported The Indian Express.

The Andheri-Ghatkopar section has been selected for the short-loop service as it is the busiest part of the line. The additional trains will operate between 6:23pm and 8:23pm, reducing waiting times for commuters travelling on this section.

Officials from Metro One said the move will reduce the headway between trains from 3.2 minutes to 3 minutes. The change will increase carrying capacity by 20%, allowing the metro to accommodate 28,000 additional commuters.

Daily services on the line will also increase from 476 to 484 trips, reported The Indian Express.

However, the change will also increase the gap between trains on the Versova-Azad Nagar section during the evening hours to just over 6 minutes.

“The mixed-loop operations are part of Mumbai Metro One’s ongoing efforts to optimise train operations and maximise the capacity of our existing infrastructure. By introducing this operational innovation during peak hours, we aim to reduce waiting times, enhance carrying capacity and provide faster, more convenient and reliable services to our commuters,” said Shyamantak Choudhury, CEO, Mumbai Metro One.

Metro 1, Mumbai’s first metro, is also the city’s busiest metro route, carrying around 5 lakh passengers per workday. This accounts for almost half of Mumbai’s entire metro journeys per day.

The line has not upgraded from its current four cars to its intended and planned six-car rakes as it continues to struggle with outstanding debt.

Commuters have long complained about the need for greater carrying capacity, with the line witnessing stampede-like crowds during peak hours.