Mumbai’s Metro 1 to run short-loop trains between Andheri, Ghatkopar in peak hours
To address Mumbai's heavy Metro 1 passenger loads during peak hours, the system will begin mixed-loop operations on August 10. This involves short-loop trains running solely between Andheri and Ghatkopar, alternating with longer trains traversing the entire route during evenings. The Andheri-Ghatkopar segment is deemed the busiest, so it was selected for the short-loop service.
These limited trains will operate from 6:23pm to 8:23pm, cutting train intervals from 3.2 minutes to just 3 minutes, thus increasing carrying capacity by 20%. This upgrade will bring daily services from 476 to 484 trips, accommodating 28,000 extra commuters. However, the waiting time between trains between Versova and Azad Nagar will lengthen to over 6 minutes.
CEO Shyamantak Choudhury of Mumbai Metro One says these measures aim to optimize train operations, maximize existing infrastructure capacity, reduce waiting times, and provide faster, more reliable service to commuters. Despite its importance, serving 5 lakh passengers daily (almost half of all metro journeys), Metro 1 remains the city's busiest route, still operating with its current four-car rakes due to financial constraints.
Commuters have long called for more capacity as the line frequently experiences crush-like crowds during peak hours.
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