ACES India Signs 25-Year Bond with Reliance Jio to Enable 4G and 5G Connectivity across Mumbai Metro Aqua Line-3 Infrastructure

On August 19, 2026, ACES India has entered into a 25-year contract with Reliance Jio in order to provide 4G and 5G mobile connectivity on the Mumbai Metro Aqua Line-3, boosting the digital infrastructure along one of Mumbai’s major urban transport routes. The roughly 33.5 Km with long corridor includes 27 stations and links vital commercial, residential, and transport infrastructure situated between Aarey JVLR and Cuffe Parade. As part of the agreement, Jio will offer its mobile service using the network infrastructure put in place by ACES India, which will cover the underground base station, concourses, digital platform, and tunnels. 

This initiative is a momentous move because it brings together a neutral-host framework with the leading telecommunications operator and drives the opportunity for better network availability, capacity, and reliability for commuters.  Additionally, It function scalable foundation for next-generation mobile data demand and for future digital services within Mumbai’s metro system.

Impact on the Telecommunications Sector

The global telecommunication market size is estimated at USD 2.46 trillion in 2025 and is predicted to increase from USD 2.61 trillion in 2026 to approximately USD 4.42 trillion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 6.03% from 2026 to 2035.

According to Precedence Research, the telecommunication services focus on hard-to-access underground spaces by replacing individual operator construction. These agreements spotlight the increasing significance of neutral-host infrastructure within densely occupied urban locations. The shared network offered by ACES India can serve as a growth-oriented solution for telecommunication services.

As per the long-term commitments, such infrastructure models may prompt telecommunication operators to enter into strategic alliances for metros, airports, tunnels, and high-tech locations where typical network deployment is operationally complex and costly. For Reliance  Jio, the deal improves its position in high-traffic transport settings and helps to maintain consistent 4G and 5G performance.

Impact on Mobility as a Service Sector

The global mobility as a service market size was estimated at USD 302.18 billion in 2025 and is predicted to increase from USD 353.85 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 1415.96 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 16.70% from 2026 to 2035.

According to Precedence Research, the increasing demand for integrated transportation solutions and urbanization enable the need for reliable mobile connectivity. The Agreement v fosters the connectivity available on the Aqua Line-3, enabling continuous communication, navigation facilities, digital ticketing, app-based services an real-time travel information. By upgrading the digital experience for passengers going through underground stations and tunnels. 

The ACES and Jio joint agreement show how telecommunication infrastructure can be incorporated into long-term transportation planning and infrastructure improvement. Additionally, technological advancement is fueling the implementation of a mobility service framework, making the metro system a digitally enabled transport system.

Impact on the Smart Cities Sector

The global smart cities market size accounted for USD 2.25 trillion in 2025 and is predicted to increase from USD 2.77 trillion in 2026 to approximately USD 15.92 trillion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 21.61% from 2026 to 2035.

According to Precedence Research, the growing investment in connected infrastructure and metro networks could gradually take on an even greater role as channels for providing location-based and real-time digital services. This project has the potential to offer opportunities that go beyond traditional voice and mobile data services. The continuous 4G and 5G coverage can allow the utilization of connected devices, digital marketing, smart-city projects, and operational communications. 

The importance of this agreement goes beyond Mumbai with successful implementation might show that there is a commercially viable way of integrating telecommunication infrastructure into large smart city development. The high capacity in the network could help transportation authorities and technological companies to create highly relevant data-driven passenger services in modern infrastructure.

Expert Opinion

From an expert point of view, the most vital element of this agreement is the availability of a 4G and 5G framework that promotes a long-term infrastructure model. The neutral-host method is especially crucial for underground transportation, offering lower requirements for duplication and commercialization, aligning with technical deployment. The expert said that if this aspect is managed well, this long-term agreement could serve as a helpful example for connected metro system in domestic and global scale.

This collaboration, lasting 25 years givers superior insights into infrastructure planning and allows the network to advance in line with increasing data usage and transforming mobile technologies. In the case of Mumbai, the reliable connectivity over the Aqua Line-3 enhances the experience for commuters and lays the platform for future connected-mobility applications. Additionally, the success is tested by network quality, capacity management, uptime, and upgradation of infrastructure.