Metro 3 Aqua Line in Mumbai Nears Completion: Loaded Trials to Begin Next Week

Mumbai, 23rd April 2024: The Metro 3 project, affectionately dubbed the Aqua Line, is on the brink of completion in Mumbai, heralding a significant step towards its operational debut. Scheduled for next week, the Metro authorities are gearing up to initiate loaded integrated trials along the Phase 1 Aarey-Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) route, marking a crucial phase in the project’s journey.

Previously, the Metro underwent dry runs, testing its capabilities with empty coaches, achieving speeds of up to 95 kmph, showcasing its efficiency and potential.

The forthcoming loaded trials will meticulously simulate passenger loads by filling each coach with stone-filled gunny bags. This thorough testing protocol aims to ensure the seamless functioning of the Metro under real-world operational conditions.

Safety remains the cornerstone of this endeavour, as reiterated by a government official. The rigorous trials seek to leave no stone unturned in ensuring the safety and reliability of the Metro system before it welcomes passengers aboard.

Following these trials, regulatory bodies such as the Research, Design and Safety Organisation (RDSO) and the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) will conduct comprehensive assessments to validate the Metro’s readiness for public use.

Distinguished by its 75% motor configuration, the eight-car Metro train sets a new benchmark in operational efficiency within India’s Metro landscape, promising enhanced performance and movement capabilities compared to its counterparts.

With the project now standing at an impressive 96% completion rate, the remaining tasks primarily revolve around station beautification, final touch-ups, and minor adjustments. The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) is well-prepared with a fleet of 19 rakes to serve Phase 1’s underground metro corridor, poised to cater to the needs of approximately 17 lakh daily passengers.

Efforts towards enhancing multimodal integration are also in full swing, with a focus on seamless connectivity with other public transport modes, enhanced pedestrian infrastructure, and amenities to ensure a holistic commuting experience for passengers.

As Phase 2 progresses from BKC to Acharya Atre Chowk in Worli, efforts are underway to obtain certification for operating in automatic train operation (ATO) mode, reflecting the project’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology for enhanced efficiency and safety. The Metro 3 project, with its comprehensive scope and forward-looking approach, is poised to redefine urban commuting in Mumbai, marking a significant milestone in the city’s infrastructure landscape.