Mumbai rains: Newly inaugurated underground Metro 3 flooded; what travellers should know

This year, monsoon has hit Maharashtra’s capital Mumbai before anticipated time which has created havoc in the city. The city is already drenched with heavy rain and the heavy downpour has brought typical challenges for commuters.However, this year, the rains have also exposed serious issues in one of the city's newest infrastructure projects which is the underground Metro 3, also known as the Aqua Line.The metro station is worst affected by the rains. Here’s what travellers need to know:Acharya Atre Station worst affected: The rains have exposed the problems at the newly inaugurated Acharya Atre metro station on the BKC-Worli stretch. Soon after the rains, the underground station got submerged in knee-deep water. The rains also exposed the leaks from the ceiling and flooding on staircases. The recent downpour has forced authorities to temporarily shut down the station. The staff has also been evacuated which has caused a complete suspension of passenger services.About BKC-Worli Corridor: BKC-Worli Corridor is a 6-station section of Mumbai’s underground Metro 3. It was inaugurated by Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis on May 10, 2025. Part of the larger 33.5-km Aqua Line from Colaba to SEEPZ, the full route is expected to be operational by August. Once completed, the line will feature 27 stations—26 underground and one at-grade—and aims to significantly ease traffic congestion across the city while reducing pressure on the overburdened suburban rail network.Safety concerns: The metro station flooding incident has raised serious concerns about the underground metro’s ability to withstand Mumbai’s intense monsoon season. Travellers relying on the Aqua Line should be aware of potential disruptions and safety risks during heavy rainfall. The lack has left many questioning the quality of construction of the metro station.Political reactions: The incident has also sparked immediate political reactions. Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad shared a video of the flooded station on her X profile. She slammed the local authorities for failing to ensure monsoon-readiness. She also questioned whether the government understood the danger posed by water leaks in an underground transit system.No official response yet from metro authorities: Amid all this disruption, Mumbai Metro officials have not yet issued an official statement about the incident. Travellers should stay updated via official channels and local news, especially during the monsoon months, and consider alternative transport options in case of further disruptions. Until there's clarity and reassurance from metro authorities, caution is advised when using the Aqua Line during rains.