Metro-3 faces mobile blackout as telecom infra contract scrapped

Mumbai: Metro-3 passengers in certain sections began losing even the patchy mobile network available on the underground corridor on Friday after Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) terminated the contract of a third-party company that set up the existing telecom infrastructure across all underground stations and tunnels of the line. It will float a fresh tender to appoint a new service provider.

The contractor was not able to fulfil contractual obligations, said an MMRCL spokesperson. She said efforts are underway to restore seamless mobile connectivity across the corridor at the earliest but did not specify a timeline for full resumption of services.

While Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel had link presence across the 35.5km line, Vodafone Idea and BSNL had extended services between Aarey JVLR in Goregaon and Acharya Atre Chowk in Worli, offering intermittent coverage to commuters. Saudi Arabia-based firm ACES India had installed the shared telecom system for the line.

The decision to terminate the contract comes amid an ongoing tussle between MMRCL and telecom operators. Cellular Operators Association of India, representing Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea, had opposed MMRCL's move to adopt a vendor-led model through an infrastructure provider for deploying the telecom equipment. Operators argued that allowing an infrastructure provider to install active telecom equipment violated provisions of Telecommunications Act, 2023. They had instead proposed setting up a common in-building solution network at their own cost, but MMRCL rejected the proposal and proceeded with its own tender while denying ‘right of way' permissions.

Daily passengers said the lack of connectivity affects not just communication but also app-based ticketing, digital payments and real-time travel updates. Authorities, however, maintained that passenger safety remains unaffected. MMRCL clarified that all critical systems, including dedicated emergency communication facilities inside trains and across stations, are fully operational. "Passenger safety is not compromised despite the lack of public mobile network access," the spokesperson said.

"Vi services on the Mumbai metro line are currently impacted .As per the MMRCL arrangement, Vi's connectivity was being provided via ACES, whose primary contract with MMRCL is now terminated. Despite our readiness, factors involved are beyond our direct control. However, we remain committed to working with MMRCL and exploring options to reinstate our services for our customers convenience at the earliest.” Vi Spokesperson said.

Experts said seamless mobile connectivity is now a basic commuter expectation, especially on long underground stretches, and its absence significantly impacts communication, digital services and overall commuter experience.
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