Setback in Mumbai Metro 3 Timeline: Aarey-BKC First Phase Now Expected to Roll Out in March 2024

Mumbai, 11th November 2023: The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) has announced a delay in the commencement of the first phase of the Aarey Metro Station – BKC Metro Station route on the ‘Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ Metro 3 line.’ Originally anticipated to start by the end of December, MMRC Managing Director Ashwini Bhide confirmed that the first phase is now expected to be operational by March 2024.

The Metro 3 project, spanning 33.5 km, commenced in 2016 with an initial completion target set for 2021. However, challenges such as technical issues, the Aarey carshed dispute, and rehabilitation concerns led to delays. Despite accelerating efforts in the last two years, the completion date was revised to December 2023.

Nine metro trains are ready for operation in the first phase, with work reaching its final stages. Ashwini Bhide outlined the necessary steps for implementation, including tests and obtaining a certificate from the Research Design and Standard Organization (RDSO) as part of the Loksatta Shahrabhan initiative.

Following RDSO certification, MMRC must secure a safety certificate from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Security (CMRS), a process expected to take time. As a result, the first phase is now projected to be operational by March 2024. The delay in the first phase naturally impacts the progress of the second phase, with BKC – Cuffe Parade expected to be in service by September 2024.

The Metro 3 project is anticipated to accommodate 1.7 million passengers in the initial years. Once operational, the Aarey-Cuffe Parade journey can be completed in a matter of minutes.

Current Status of Metro 3 Work:
– 86 per cent completion of the Aarey – Cuffe Parade Metro 3 route.
– 93 per cent completion of Aarey – BKC first phase.
– 80 per cent completion of BKC – Cuffe Parade 2nd phase.
– Undergrounding and rooting work is 100 per cent complete.
– 70 per cent completion of various systems.