Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) hosted a site visit for Japan's House of Councillors members, including Mr. Kazuhiko AOKI, at BKC station of Metro Line-3. Senior officials from MMRC briefed the delegation on the project's progress, challenges, and its potential to revolutionise Mumbai's connectivity. Following the briefing, the members rode the Metro Line-3 from BKC to Marol Naka. They expressed approval of the project's advancement and the effective utilisation of Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA), which significantly contributes to improving city mobility and access.
The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) hosted a site visit at BKC station of Metro Line-3 for members of the House of Councillors of Japan on S. The delegation included Mr. Kazuhiko AOKI, Mr. Taiga ISHIKAWA, Mr. Kaneshige WAKAMATSU, along with senior representatives from Japan's National Diet, Embassy of Japan, Consulate-General of Japan in Mumbai, and JICA India.
Mr. Kazuhiko AOKI, leading the delegation, was welcomed by MMRC's senior officials: Mr. S. K. Gupta, Director (Projects); Mr. R. Ramana, Director (Planning); and Mr. Rajeev, Director (Systems). The members were briefed on the project's progress, construction challenges, and the anticipated impact of Metro Line-3 in transforming Mumbai's connectivity. This line is set to enhance city mobility by linking previously disconnected areas, alleviating transportation issues, and benefiting the residents of Mumbai.
The delegation then experienced a train ride from BKC to Marol Naka station on Metro Line-3. The Members of the House of Councillors of Japan conveyed their satisfaction with the project's progress and lauded the effective use of Official Development Assistance (ODA). They noted that the ODA, provided by the Government of Japan through a JICA loan of INR 21,280 crore (57.09% of the project's cost), has significantly contributed to increasing mobility and providing easier access to slum areas, thus improving the overall travel experience for Mumbaikars.
Currently, the project is nearing the final stages of commissioning for Phase-I, extending from Aarey to BKC. The underground metro line stretches across 27 stations from Aarey JVLR to Cuffe Parade, passing through major city locations such as BKC, Airport Terminal-1 & Terminal-2, Worli, Dadar, Siddhivinayak, CSMT, Churchgate, Hutatma Chowk, and Vidhan Bhavan.
The visit highlighted the critical role of international cooperation in advancing urban infrastructure. The positive feedback from Japan's delegation highlights the successful implementation of ODA, promising a transformative impact on Mumbai's transportation network. As Metro Line-3 nears completion, it stands to greatly enhance connectivity and ease travel for millions of Mumbaikars, marking a significant milestone in the city's development.