On a weekday evening, Mumbai's Aqua Line metro train neared its final stop in a disconcertingly empty state, a stark contrast to its expectations of bustling ridership. Initially projected to carry 1.5 million daily passengers, actual numbers are only about a tenth of that, reflecting a broader trend of insufficient usage across India's rapidly expanding metro systems. Since 2014, the Indian government has invested over $26 billion into metro connectivity, expanding the network fourfold to surpass 1,000 kilometers by 2025. However, an Indian Institute of Technology report revealed that most metro systems achieve only 25-35% of their projected ridership. The Aqua Line, which connects key business districts and the airport, exemplifies the struggles faced, with high ticket prices discouraging use among lower-income commuters who face significant transit costs. Experts cite poor demand projections, subpar train frequency, and a lack of integrated transport solutions as factors hampering metro viability. Despite the challenges, urban traffic and pollution issues may gradually drive more commuters to seek the metro as a viable alternative if improvements in affordability and connectivity are made.