Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) has finalized the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for extending underground Metro Line 3 up to Navy Nagar, covering a five-kilometre stretch. The DPR awaits state government approval following the 2022-23 budget announcement. The expansion aims to benefit densely populated areas, including central government residential quarters. Construction is slated for a 2025 start, post the existing Metro Line 3's commercial operations. MMRC acquired nine train sets for Phase 1, delayed to early next year, while Phase 2 operations begin in 2024. Recent trials and ongoing track installations mark progress for the extensive metro network.
In a significant development, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) has successfully finalized the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the extension of the underground Metro Line 3 up to Navy Nagar, covering a substantial five-kilometre stretch, with 2.5 kilometres in each direction. An official statement reveals that the eagerly awaited DPR is now in the hands of the state government, awaiting official approval. The decision to elongate Metro Line 3 to Navy Nagar originated from the 2022-23 budget speech, where the then Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar, representing the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, made the announcement. This move was a direct response to a request from the Indian Navy office to the state government. Anticipated to bring substantial benefits to the densely populated Navy Nagar, which includes residential quarters for central government employees and others, the extension plans are now on the horizon. According to official sources, construction of the extended Metro line is slated to kick off in 2025, post the completion and commencement of commercial operations of the existing Metro Line 3. The existing underground metro, spanning over 33km, connects Colaba to SEEPZ via Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) and is segmented into Phase 1 (BKC to SEEPZ) and Phase 2 (BKC to Colaba) for operation. To ensure the smooth operation of Phase 1, MMRC has acquired nine train sets, originally targeted for completion by the end of this year, now facing a slight delay until early next year. Phase 2 operations are on track to commence in 2024. In a recent milestone, MMRC conducted the first long-distance train movement from MID to Vidyanagari Metro station and back to SEEPZ in October, covering a distance of 17 km, a crucial part of Phase 1 operations. Notably, trial runs on a three-kilometer stretch between Sariput Nagar Aarey and Marol were conducted starting from August of the previous year. Currently, MMRC is channelling its efforts into laying tracks for the remaining part of Phase 1. The next steps involve installing overhead electrical lines in both directions, paving the way for trial runs on the complete Phase 1 between Aarey and BKC stations. The metro expansion project continues to mark significant progress, promising enhanced connectivity and convenience for the residents of Mumbai.
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