By Mohammed Yousif 
fter enduring a seven-year ordeal of revenue losses, shopkeepers and vendors along Mumbai’s bustling DN Road in Fort are finally seeing a ray of hope with the removal of barricades, marking the imminent opening of Mumbai’s first underground Metro line in July.
The construction of Line 3, spanning 33.5 kilometers from Navy Nagar to Aarey Depot, commenced in November 2017, disrupting local businesses along its alignment. With 18.123 kilometers of barricades now removed, businesses are optimistic about revival.
Ram Gopal Gautam, manager of a watch shop, described the hardship, noting a more than 50% drop in sales and minimal footfall during the barricade period. Nisha Satankar from Rajni Boutique, which saw a significant decline despite its century-old legacy, expressed relief over impending barricade removal, anticipating increased foot traffic from the nearby Metro station.
Mahesh Manjrekar, managing Mumbai Khadi and Village Industries Association, highlighted the challenges faced, including reduced footfall and closures due to access limitations during construction.
While some business owners lamented the lack of compensation for financial losses incurred during the Metro’s construction, others like Shehzad Qureshi, managing an antique shop, and Kallatra, a dry fruit shop, expressed cautious optimism with the Metro’s imminent opening.
The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRCL) has begun reinstating roads and removing steel decks, aiming for full restoration as the Metro line nears completion. This ambitious project is expected to impact nearly 3 million commuters, initially reducing vehicular traffic and promising long-term economic growth for Mumbai.
As the city prepares for the Metro’s inaugural run, local businesses hope for brighter days ahead, anticipating renewed prosperity after years of struggle.