The first phase of Mumbai's underground Metro Line 3, also known as the aqua line, is expected to be commissioned soon, pending safety clearance from the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS). The initial 12.5 km stretch will run between Aarey Colony and the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), forming part of the larger 33.5 km Colaba-Seepz-Aarey Metro Line.
At a press conference, Ashwini Bhide, managing director of the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC), confirmed that while approval for the Metro trains has already been granted, clearance for the rail line is still awaited. Official sources indicate that this stretch is likely to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with other infrastructure projects in early October.
Progress and Timeline
Around 93% of the work on the entire Metro Line 3 corridor has been completed. The full Colaba-Aarey route is projected to be operational by March or May 2025. The Aarey-BKC section features ten stations and offers key connections, including links to Terminal 1 and 2 of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and the Ghatkopar-Andheri-Versova Metro Line 1 at Marol Naka station.
Operations and Services
Bhide revealed that 96 daily services will be operated between Aarey and BKC, utilizing a fleet of eight trains from 6:30 am to 10:30 pm, with services starting at 8:30 am on Sundays. Fares will range from Rs 10 to Rs 50, with the maximum fare increasing to Rs 70 once the entire Colaba-SEEPZ-Aarey corridor is commissioned.
The designed speed of the eight-coach Metro trains is 85 kmph, with an average running speed of 35 kmph. The initial phase of the corridor will have a daily carrying capacity of 6.5 lakh passengers. Additionally, 48 captains, including 10 women, will manage train operations, with women playing a significant role in the overall operation and maintenance of the line.
This development marks a significant milestone in Mumbai's ongoing metro expansion, aimed at improving urban connectivity and reducing congestion across the city.