Mumbai Metro Line 3: Integrated Trials Begin on Aarey-BKC Section
Mumbai, 2nd April 2024: In March, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) initiated integrated trial runs on the section between Aarey and Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), marking a significant milestone towards the launch of the first phase of Mumbai Metro Line 3.
These trials aim to ensure smooth train operations by validating their compatibility with signalling, telecommunications, track infrastructure, and traction systems.
According to reports from Hindustan Times, the first phase of Mumbai Metro Line 3, known as the Aqua Line, is anticipated to commence operations in April 2024. MMRC’s Managing Director (MD), Ashwini Bhide, confirmed on December 28, 2023, that the Aarey-BKC route’s first phase will be ready for public use by April 2024.
Upon the successful completion of integration testing, individual systems will be certified by an independent safety assessor (ISA). Subsequently, the corporation will seek statutory approvals from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) to commence passenger services. The segment will open to passengers following CMRS approval.
Although the trial run was initially scheduled for mid-February, it faced delays due to unfinished construction on the shunting neck connecting the Aarey depot to the main line. The 33-acre vehicle yard at Aarey serves as the maintenance hub for metro coaches on Mumbai Metro Line 3.
The Aarey-BKC service route comprises ten stations and nine trains, with two reserved for repair and standby. The plan entails 260 round-trip services daily (130 in each direction) from 6 am to 11 pm, catering to passenger demand.
MMRCL has procured 31 trains from Alstom, a French manufacturing company, for the entire 33.5-kilometre corridor, with 11 already delivered. However, only nine will be deployed in phase one, with two currently undergoing testing. The Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ Metro-3 Corridor, spanning 33.5 km and featuring 26 underground stations, aims to enhance Mumbai’s public transit system.
Mumbai Metro Aqua Line 3 integrates with suburban trains, other Mumbai Metro lines, and existing transportation modes at eight locations, including key rail termini, Grant Road, Mumbai Central, the MSRTC bus depot, Dadar, Mahalaxmi, and BKC (linking with Mumbai Metro Line 2-B and Line 1).
