Metro 1 mixed-loop service between Ghatkopar and Andheri sparks commuter pushback
A revised mixed-loop operating system introduced on the Metro 1 corridor between Ghatkopar, Andheri, and Versova has triggered pushback from passengers, prompting an online petition against the operational change. Mumbai Metro One Pvt Ltd rolled out the arrangement on August 10, alternating full-length services with short-loop trains that terminate at Andheri.
Under the revised timetable, the short-loop services run exclusively between Ghatkopar and Andheri from 6:23 pm to 8:24 pm during evening peak hours. MMOPL stated that the pattern aims to boost capacity along the corridor's most heavily utilised stretch without expanding trips across the entire line, while helping passengers transferring to the Western Railway local train network at Andheri.
However, passengers travelling further west to DN Nagar, Azad Nagar, and Versova have strongly objected to the truncated services. Commuters noted that Line 1 already connects with Line 2A at DN Nagar and Line 7 at Western Express Highway station, arguing that terminating trains mid-corridor inconveniences onward riders. Many have urged the operator to expand train lengths from four coaches to six coaches to address overcrowding sustainably.
"The mixed-loop pattern has been tried before. The arrangement was subsequently withdrawn following complaints. Reintroducing it is leading to congestion. We have been demanding an increase in the number of coaches but that has not happened," said Dhaval Shah, a member of the Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizens' Association.
According to MMOPL, more than 85 percent of daily passengers travel along the Ghatkopar-Andheri stretch. The operator said the schedule reduced peak-hour wait times on the section from 3 minutes and 20 seconds to approximately 3 minutes, while expanding weekday operations from 476 to 484 trips. The agency estimated the change increases carrying capacity by more than 20 percent, accommodating roughly 28,000 additional commuters on a line that carries 550,000 people daily.
A spokesperson for MMOPL stated that the mixed-loop system is part of efforts to optimise train operations, maximize existing infrastructure capacity, and provide faster and more reliable service during peak hours. The operator added that it is tracking passenger movement, train occupancy, and platform crowding to review the operating pattern based on commuter requirements and operational data.
