Key facts
- Mobile network connectivity is now available on the Mumbai Metro Aqua Line.
- The resolution follows a two-year dispute over in-building infrastructure installation.
- Vodafone Idea and Airtel are currently rolling out services, with Reliance Jio to follow.
- Telecom operators have secured direct contracts with MMRCL, leading to substantial cost savings.
- Monthly rental costs for infrastructure have decreased from approximately Rs 50-60 lakh to Rs 23,000 per station.
Commuters on the Mumbai Metro Aqua Line can now access mobile network connectivity following the resolution of a two-year dispute between top telecom operators and the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL). Vodafone Idea and Bharti Airtel have begun rolling out services across stations, with Reliance Jio expected to follow by mid-July.
The dispute centered on the installation of in-building infrastructure, with telecom operators previously facing exorbitant rental charges from a third-party provider, ACES. Under the new arrangement, operators have secured direct contracts with MMRCL based on right-of-way regulations, leading to significant cost reductions. Monthly rentals have dropped from approximately Rs 50-60 lakh to a nominal Rs 23,000 per station, with an additional Rs 1 lakh per month for renting the shared infrastructure, which includes equipment in stations and underground tunnels.
Vodafone Idea is covering stations from Aarey JVLR to Acharya Atre Chowk, with further expansion planned. Airtel has restored connectivity in 10 stations, with the remaining 17 to be covered within 60 days. Each of the three major telecom operators will manage nine stations each to ensure efficient network operations. The resolution is expected to provide essential reliable connectivity for passengers during their daily commute.