Mumbai Metro Aqua Line 3 Phase 1 Operations to Commence in July - Cost, Route, Challenges, and More

Mumbai Metro Line 3, also known as the Mumbai Metro Aqua Line or Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ Line, represents the city's latest modernization endeavor. Phase 1 of this ambitious project, spanning from Aarey Colony to BKC, is primed to commence operations in July 2024. The underground metro line is under the auspices of the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (MMRCL), which is gearing up for the anticipated launch on July 1st.

Presently, construction at the Aarey Depot stands at 99.5 per cent completion. However, some minor finishing touches, trials, and tests are still pending. Once operational, this metro line is poised to cover a distance of 33.5 kilometers, catering to a daily passenger capacity of 17 lakh individuals.

Routes The metro line seamlessly connects with 8 different railway stations, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), and metro lines 2B and 1. Notably, it's Mumbai's first fully underground metro, boasting 26 underground stations out of 27. The journey traverses from Arey Colony to SEEPZ, MIDC, Marol Naka, CSMIA T2, Sahar Road, CSMIA T1, Santacruz, Vidyanagari, BKC, Dharavi, Shitladevi Temple, Dadar, Siddhivinayak Temple, Worli, Acharya Atrey Chowk, Science Museum, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai Central, Grant Road, Girgaon, Kalbadevi, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Hutatma Chowk, Churchgate, Vidhan Bhawan, and finally to Cuffe Parade.

Cost The project's estimated cost stands at Rs 23,136 crore, with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) financing the majority—57.2 per cent—through an Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan of Rs 13,235 crore. The repayment period spans 30 years, with an interest rate of 1.15 per cent for the project and 0.01 per cent for consulting services.

Features Given its fully underground nature, continuous mobile service will be available along the line. The trains on Line 3 have a capacity of accommodating three thousand passengers at once. Upon the commissioning of Phase 1, the first underground metro line in Mumbai will seek safety clearance to commence autonomous operations—an eagerly awaited development expected to unfold shortly.

ET