Mumbai's first underground Metro, the aqua line, is set to begin operations from Aarey Colony to Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) by 1st October, pending safety clearance. This 12.5 km stretch is part of the larger 33.5 km Colaba-Seepz-Aarey Metro Line 3. Once inaugurated, the line will operate 96 daily services, connecting key locations like the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and the Marol Naka station. With a capacity of 650,000 passengers per day, the project aims to enhance Mumbai's urban transit system, reducing travel time while promoting inclusivity through women operators and staff involvement.
The first phase of Mumbai's inaugural underground Metro, also known as the aqua line, connecting Aarey Colony and Bandra-Kurla Complex, is expected to be commissioned from 1st October, pending safety clearance, according to a senior official. The 12.5 km stretch between Aarey Colony and BKC is part of the larger 33.5 km Colaba-Seepz-Aarey Metro Line 3.
During a press conference, Ashwini Bhide, managing director of the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC), indicated that Metro Line 3 is on track for commissioning, subject to approval from the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS). She noted that they have already received approval for the rolling stock (Metro trains), while the application for the rail line is still awaiting clearance.
Official sources revealed that the Aarey Colony to Bandra-Kurla Complex segment is likely to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with other infrastructure projects in the state, in the first week of October. Bhide stated that approximately 93 percent of the work on the corridor is complete, and the entire line from Colaba to Aarey is expected to be operational by March or May 2025.
The Aarey-BKC stretch includes ten stations, facilitating connectivity to both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and to the Ghatkopar-Andheri-Versova Metro Line 1 at Marol Naka station. Bhide mentioned plans for 96 daily services between Aarey and BKC, with 8 trains operating from 6:30 am to 10:30 pm, except on Sundays when the first service will start at 8:30 am.
She also shared that the minimum fare on the line will be INR 10, the maximum INR 50, and when the entire Colaba-Seepz-Aarey corridor is commissioned, the maximum fare will rise to INR 70. The designed speed for the 8-coach Metro trains is 85 km/h, with an average running speed of 35 km/h.
According to Bhide, the first phase of the corridor will have the capacity to accommodate 650,000 passengers per day. She added that there will be 48 train operators, including ten women, and emphasized that many women will be involved in the operation and maintenance of the line once it is commissioned.
In conclusion, the upcoming inauguration of the Aarey-BKC Metro line signifies a significant advancement in Mumbai's public transport infrastructure, promising improved connectivity and reduced travel times. With an emphasis on inclusivity in operations, including female train operators, the project reflects a commitment to modern urban transit. Once fully operational, it is expected to enhance mobility for countless commuters, contributing to the overall economic growth of the region.
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