Mumbai, July 9 -- Long flights of stairs, inadequate escalators and poor last-mile connectivity are among the major accessibility gaps on Mumbai Metro 3, otherwise known as the Aqua Line, according to a study by non-profit Moneylife Foundation. The study, titled Accessibility and User-Friendliness of Mumbai Metro Aqua Line (Line 3), was conducted by Ashoka University interns Agamya Jain and Mihika Omseema, who surveyed all 27 stations along the 33.5-km metro corridor from the perspective of commuters. According to the report, accessibility varies considerably across station exits, with many requiring commuters to climb long flights of stairs. Downward escalators are available at only a limited number of exits, making station entry particularly difficult for senior citizens and passengers carrying luggage, it said. Last-mile connectivity was identified as one of the biggest concerns affecting the convenience of using the metro. The study also found that while lifts and escalators are generally operational, accessibility could be improved through better planning of vertical mobility and clearer wayfinding. Airport stations pose additional challenges for passengers with luggage because of long walking distances and limited availability of baggage trolleys. Responding to the study, an MMRC spokesperson said, "We will examine the report in detail and respond appropriately. The planning philosophy for Metro Line 3 has been to ensure station accessibility through an appropriate combination of lifts and escalators. Multimodal integration work is in progress in close coordination with BMC, BEST and other stakeholders."...