Top Official Announces Imminent Commissioning of Mumbai's First Underground Metro Phase

The first phase of Mumbai's inaugural underground Metro, the Aqua Line connecting Aarey Colony to Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), is set to be commissioned soon, pending safety clearance, according to a senior official. The 12.5 km stretch 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), stated that the commissioning of Metro Line 3 is imminent, contingent upon approval from the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS). She noted that while they have received clearance for the rolling stock (Metro trains), the application for the rail line is still awaiting approval.

Official sources indicate that the Aarey-BKC route is likely to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in early October, alongside other infrastructure projects in the state. Bhide reported that approximately 93% of the corridor's work has been completed, with the entire line expected to be operational by March or May 2025.

The Aarey-BKC stretch will feature ten stations, enhancing connectivity to both Terminal 1 and 2 of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, as well as linking with the Ghatkopar-Andheri-Versova Metro Line 1 at Marol Naka station.

Bhide also outlined plans for 96 daily services between Aarey and BKC, operating from 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM, except Sundays when the first service will start at 8:30 AM. The fare structure is set with a minimum fare of ₹10 and a maximum of ₹50, while the full Colaba-Seepz-Aarey corridor will have a maximum fare of ₹70.

The eight-coach Metro trains on this line are designed to run at speeds of up to 85 km/h, with an average operational speed of 35 km/h. The first phase of the corridor is expected to accommodate up to 650,000 passengers daily.

Additionally, Bhide announced that there will be 48 train captains, including ten women, and emphasized the inclusion of women in the operation and maintenance of the line once it is fully commissioned.

ET