Mumbai Metro Line 3 Begins Operations Today, Connecting SEEPZ and BKC
Mumbai, 24th July 2024: Mumbai’s eagerly awaited Aqua Line, the city’s first underground metro, is set to launch on Wednesday, marking a significant advancement in urban transit. This new metro line is anticipated to revolutionize commuting in Mumbai, alleviate travel across city streets, and ease traffic congestion.
The initial phase of the Mumbai Metro Line 3 will begin operations today, linking the Santacruz Electronics Export Processing Zone (SEEPZ) to the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC).
Completion Timeline
The full project is expected to be finished by December 2024, although it was initially slated for completion by September 2024. Bharatiya Janata Party General Secretary Vinod Tawde confirmed this milestone on July 17 via social media, stating, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promise to improve life for Mumbaikars is being realized with the start of Mumbai’s first underground metro (Aqua Line) on July 24. This will significantly enhance the city’s transit speed.”
Stations on the Aqua Line
The Aqua Line will traverse 33.5 km from Aarey Colony to Cuffe Parade, with 27 stations along the route. Of these, 26 will be underground and one at grade level. The line will integrate with existing metro lines, bus services, and suburban rail, connecting North Mumbai with South Mumbai. The initial phase will run between SEEPZ and BKC.
Stations along the Aqua Line will include:
Cuffe Parade, Vidhan Bhavan, Churchgate, Hutatma Chowk, CST Metro, Kalbadevi, Girgaon, Grant Road, Mumbai Central Metro, Mahalaxmi, Science Museum, Acharya Atre Chowk, Worli, Siddhivinayak, Dadar, Shitladevi, Dharavi, BKC, Vidyanagari, Santacruz, Domestic Airport, Sahar Road, International Airport, Marol Naka, MIDC, SEEPZ, and Aarey Depot.
Operational Timings
The Aqua Line will operate from 6:30 am to 11:00 pm, with trains running at short intervals. Trains will reach speeds up to 90 km/h, cutting the travel time for the 35 km journey from over two hours by road to just 50 minutes. Notably, the trip from Cuffe Parade to the Airport will be reduced from 100 minutes to 50 minutes.
Project Cost and Management
The Aqua Line project was approved by the central government in June 2013 with an estimated cost of Rs 23,136 crore. The project, now 98 per cent complete, has seen costs revised to Rs 37,276 crore and is funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) will oversee the line’s operations and maintenance for the next decade, managing everything from day-to-day operations to infrastructure upkeep.
Passenger Comfort and Security
Features to enhance passenger experience include:
– Escalators and elevators
– Secured platforms with closed train doors
– Extensive CCTV surveillance
– Dual-entry access eliminating the need for foot overbridges or road crossings
– Platform screen doors to improve safety during boarding and alighting
Project Progress
As per the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation, civil work is 99.2 % complete, with station construction at 97 %. Tunnelling is finished, and progress on other aspects includes:
– Overall systems work: 77.6 % complete
– Depot civil works: 99.8 % complete
– Mainline track works: 87 % complete
Additionally, the project will reintegrate the Colaba station into the rail network after an 85-year closure. Originally opened in 1873, the station was shut down in 1930.
With these developments, the Aqua Line is set to greatly enhance daily commutes for Mumbai residents, offering a faster, safer, and more efficient transit option.
