Mumbai: In a major step towards inclusive public transport, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) has announced a 25 per cent ticket discount for differently-abled passengers travelling on the newly operational Mumbai Metro-3 (Aarey–Cuffe Parade) corridor. The benefit will be available from Sunday, and passengers can access it exclusively through the official ‘MetroConnect 3’ mobile app, MMRC officials said.

Long-awaited concession implemented

The Mumbai Metro-3 line, which became fully operational on 9 October, is the city’s first underground metro corridor and spans 27 stations from Cuffe Parade to Aarey Depot (JVLR terminus). While other metro lines in the city — Metro 1, Metro 2A and Metro 7 — already offer concessions to disabled passengers, Metro-3 did not have such a facility until now.

This gap led to discontent among several disabled rights groups. Representatives from these organisations had met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and urged MMRC to implement a discount similar to those available on other modes of public transport. Responding to the demand, MMRC has now introduced a flat 25% fare rebate for differently-abled commuters on Metro-3.

MMRC officials stated that the move will make daily commutes more affordable for disabled passengers and enhance access to the newly developed route, which connects business hubs, transport nodes and residential neighbourhoods across south and central Mumbai.

Mumbai Metro-3: City’s first underground line

The Metro-3 line is among Mumbai’s most significant transport infrastructure projects. It connects key locations including Cuffe Parade, Vidhan Bhavan, Churchgate, Hutatma Chowk, CSMT, Kalbadevi, Girgaon, Grant Road, Mumbai Central, Mahalaxmi, Science Museum (Worli), Worli, Siddhivinayak, Dadar, Dharavi, BKC, Vidyanagari, Santacruz, CSIA T1 & T2, Marol Naka, SEEPZ, Aarey Colony and Aarey Depot.

The stretch from Cuffe Parade to Worli became operational in the initial phase, followed by the full opening of the entire corridor, significantly easing travel between south Mumbai, central business districts and the western suburbs.

Comparison with other transport concessions

Currently, on both local and long-distance trains, passengers with 80% disability receive a 75% fare discount, while their assistants get 50% off. Metro lines 1, 2A and 7 also provide similar benefits.

The absence of these concessions on Metro-3 had caused dissatisfaction among commuters with disabilities. The announcement of the 25% discount is expected to bring relief to hundreds of daily passengers who rely on the corridor for work, education and medical travel.

How to avail the discount via ‘MetroConnect 3’ app

MMRC has also shared instructions for using the MetroConnect 3 app to access the concession and internet connectivity inside stations:

  1. Login to the ‘MetroConnect 3’ mobile app before entering the metro station.
  2. Connect to the public Wi-Fi named ‘MetroConnect3’ under the phone’s Wi-Fi settings.
  3. Open the app, go to Profile, and select ‘Connect to Wi-Fi’ to access full internet services such as Wi-Fi Calling, WhatsApp calling and messaging, and general browsing.

The app also provides access to QR-based ticketing, commuter updates and digital services offered across the Metro-3 network.

Move welcomed by commuters

Activists and commuter groups have praised the initiative, calling it a positive step towards accessible transport in Mumbai. With the introduction of the concession, Metro-3 now aligns with the broader public transport ecosystem that supports travellers with disabilities.

The measure is expected to improve mobility and reduce travel expenses for differently-abled passengers, making the underground metro corridor more inclusive and commuter-friendly.